I Love Neuro

235: Your Neuro Practice Questions Answered By APTA President Roger Herr, PT, MPA

Oct 14, 2024

Roger Herr, President of the APTA, shares his extensive background in physical therapy and health administration. He discusses innovative strategies for neuro practices navigating Medicare, including alternative payment models and the importance of opting out of Medicare for sustainable business. The chat dives into challenges faced by smaller practices, advocating for clearer guidelines on medical care, and the push towards value-based healthcare. Herr also touches on the potential of technology in transforming patient care and enhancing access for neurological conditions.

58:52

Creator website

Episode guests

Roger Herr

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Roger Herr highlights the necessity for neuro practices to explore alternative payment models, including cash-based services and local contracts, to ensure business sustainability.

The complexities of Medicare coverage present significant challenges for smaller PT practices, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines around medical necessity and skilled care.

Advocacy for value-based care is essential, with a focus on leveraging technology and community engagement to enhance patient outcomes and promote policy change.

Deep dives

Roger Herr's Journey in Physical Therapy

Roger Herr's journey into physical therapy began unexpectedly during his high school years, where he was inspired by a physical therapist working in a special education classroom. He subsequently earned his PT degree from Temple University while envisioning a future in healthcare administration. Working at a major medical center in New York exposed him to opportunities that allowed him to combine clinical practice and management, leading to his involvement with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Herr’s diverse background, embracing roles from clinical practice to health plan management, equipped him with a unique perspective that informs his advocacy for the profession today.

Intro

2min

Navigating a Career in Health Administration

9min

Advocacy and Alternative Payment Models in Physical Therapy

3min

Advocating for Neuro Practice Inclusion

14min

Navigating Medicare's Therapy Coverage for Neurological Conditions

13min

Transforming Healthcare with Technology

9min

Advocacy in Neurology

8min

In today’s episode Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS had the pleasure of interviewing APTA President Roger Herr and asking all of the burning questions about what it’s like to run a neuro practice with Medicare as it is and where we’re going. Roger shared his journey into physical therapy and his extensive experience in key roles that gave him a wide angle perspective of the profession he advocates for now.

Alternative Payment Models for PT Practices - Herr emphasized the importance of finding local, regional payment models that best fit each practice's needs, whether that's working with employers, payers, or patient groups. - He discussed strategies like opting out of Medicare, negotiating contracts, and exploring cash-based services to create sustainable business models.

Challenges for Micro Practices - Smaller PT practices often struggle with billing, communicating with payers, and navigating the complexities of Medicare coverage. - Could clearer guidelines around medical necessity and skilled care be a helpful short-term goal?

Advocacy Efforts for the PT Profession - Herr highlighted the need to shift from volume-based to value-based care, and to advocate for recognizing the downstream costs and impact on patients. - He discussed opportunities in Medicaid, annual wellness visits, and partnering with patient advocacy groups to drive change.

Modernizing Medicare Access - Herr explained efforts to update Medicare legislation and allow beneficiaries to directly contract with physical therapists. - This could provide more flexibility and options for patients, though the details around rules and limitations are still being worked out.

Leveraging Technology and AI - Herr shared insights on how technology and AI can support population health management, documentation, and reducing administrative burdens for PT practices.

APTA Infographic of Prior Authorization

ChoosePT How Medicare Determines Payment HH and SNF

Download the APTA Advocacy App

ChoosePT Directory - Sign up by logging into APTA account, then go to Online Profile, then Find a PT

Instagram rogeraherr

X @RAHPT

Facebook Roger Herr