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ALPHA-1 ASSOCIATION AND ALPHA-1 FOUNDATION THANK THE COPD CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS LEADERSHIP FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THAT PULMONARY REHABILITATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES
Medicare statute currently does not specifically provide reimbursement for pulmonary or cardiac rehabilitation for beneficiaries. Often pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation programs ARE covered services by Medicare under the “incident to physician services” clause. In an effort to ensure access to necessary care, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) have introduced the “Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Act” providing a national coverage policy that will ensure that individuals are not denied or limited access. The Act will end the debate between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), fiscal intermediaries and providers by clearly defining Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Medicare recipients.
The treatment of chronic lung diseases such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) and COPD are frequently complicated, confusing and frustrating for patients, family members and those who care for them. Pulmonary rehabilitation combines education with therapeutic exercise and functional activities to help individuals understand and cope with the disease and function more comfortably and independently.
- ¨ Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a restorative and preventative process for patients with chronic respiratory disease;
- ¨ Pulmonary Rehabilitation has been defined as a multi-disciplinary program of care for patients with chronic respiratory impairment that is individually tailored and designed to optimize physical and social performance and autonomy;
- ¨ Pulmonary Rehabilitation improves the individuals ability to manage and cope with progressive lung disease;
- ¨ Pulmonary Rehabilitation is often focused on those with COPD but is also appropriate for other lung diseases such as asthma, Alpha-1, or before and after transplantation;
For individuals living with the progressive lung disease Alpha-1 this is an important step towards appropriate treatment for those dependent on Medicare.
To see the latest update on Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehablitation Act, please click here.
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