We have been forced to severly curtail the frequency of visits due to cuts in re-imbursement. Our RT staff now work only by phone with the exception of one follow up home visit for high tech patients. They hate the poor level of involvment with the patients. Additional visits are performed based upon the results of the initial follow up assessment. Patients may request visits only for problems that cannot be resolved over the phone. And it sounds like it may be worse in the future, forcing patients to bring in equipment or come in to our offices by appointment for additional training or problem resolution. Accreditation requires patient assessment and follow up for certain levels of patients but with few exceptions, states how this is accomplished. With the Competative bid rates where they are at, plus the majority of our HMO and Commercial payers following Medicares example, it will be a miracle if we can keep any Therapists on staff in the future.
