CMS's 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule includes another reduction (-1.68%) to the Medicare conversion factor, continuing a cycle of payment instability that threatens patient access to physical therapist services. At the same time, CMS is proposing practice expense methodology changes that would increase payment for nearly all commonly billed therapy services, helping to offset the conversion factor cut. In fact, physical therapists are expected to benefit from these practice expense updates more than most other specialties. Because these changes may face opposition from groups that would see payment reductions, CMS needs to hear strong support from the physical therapy community. 

CMS is also proposing significant restrictions on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), including new requirements that could limit the use of contracted support services. These changes have the potential to upend existing RTM workflows and reduce access to remote monitoring services that help providers stay engaged with their patients' care between visits. 

We need you to submit this template comment letter and tell CMS that RTM improves patient engagement, adherence, and outcomes, and that Medicare policies should support—not hinder—the tools physical therapists use to extend care beyond the clinic and improve access for beneficiaries.