06/01/2026
https://www.apta.org/article/2026/05/22/cms-proposes-new-model-that-could-highlight-pts-impact-in-joint-replacement?fbclid=IwY2xjawSKU0pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeVqS4R9AlfmN2UUWAPXANUY-MNqFCNlifKqL7bch4gWreZHdZEj6hqYclKmI_aem_BA59lk66hXnEhppwJFPYsg
Things always sound positive when ideas are floating around but this really is just a way to save money, cut small independent practices out of the equation (which has already begun), minimize patient's choice in therapy providers, and eventually justify minimizing in-person PT at all. The plan will be to digitize treatments as much as possible. Post joint replacement PT will literally become a piece of paper (probably issued while you're coming out of the OR) or an app that is assigned to everyone. But hey they might start buying everyone cheap tablets to run the app on đŤŠ
In the model, physical therapists would serve as a critical component of some of Medicareâs most common surgical interventions.