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DALLAS -- U.S. Rep. Edolphus "Ed" Towns (N.Y.-10) introduced the Athletic Trainers' Equal Access to Medicare Act of 2011 (ATEAM) (HR 2785) into the U.S. House of Representatives Aug. 2.
The act would ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have better access to health care provided by state licensed or certified athletic trainers.
Prior to a 2004 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, athletic trainers were successfully providing these physical medicine and rehabilitation services to patients of all ages, according to a NATA release. The rule was implemented in 2005 and does not apply to private insurance policies. With the passage of the ATEAM Act, physicians, clinics and hospitals will be able to meet the requisite Medicare standards for reimbursement, the release states.
"NATA and its members believe that Medicare beneficiaries deserve the same access to athletic trainers that the general population has," said NATA President Marjorie J. Albohm, MS, ATC. "America's senior citizens have earned the right to receive care by whomever they, along with their physician, deem appropriate. Having more qualified health care professionals to do the job during these times of tight labor markets will only benefit the patient and the health care system."
"I am proud to be leading this effort in the House of Representatives to ensure equal access to quality treatment options for patients," said Towns. "As athletes of all skill-levels age into the Medicare system, it is important that the services of athletic trainers are included in the treatment options available to patients. I hope that my colleagues will join me in working to pass this important piece of legislation."
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