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The Amplify OT Podcast

The Amplify OT Podcast

By Clarice Grote

Welcome to the Amplify OT Podcast. I’m Clarice Grote, MS, OTR/L and I’m the host of the Amplify OT Podcast. I’m an occupational therapist by trade and a policy wonk by choice. The Amplify OT Podcast is where we break down healthcare policy and legislation to help you not only survive but thrive in this crazy US healthcare system. So, let's dive in!
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Ep. 10: Home Health OASIS & Value-Based Purchasing

The Amplify OT PodcastAug 15, 2022

00:00
26:26
Ep 21: Is AOTA advocating for you? Meet the Team!

Ep 21: Is AOTA advocating for you? Meet the Team!

Advocacy is one of my favorite soap boxes to stand on because we as clinicians have a huge responsibility to advocate for the continued and future success of our profession. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about advocacy at the state and federal levels.

As an exclusive bonus for podcast listeners, you can join the Amplify OT Membership at any time! Join today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy.

In this episode I cover:

  • The primary teams within AOTA (Federal Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, State Affairs, and the Quality Team) that are responsible for advocacy efforts.
  • The types of policies that are handled on the state level vs. the federal level.
  • Our role in advocacy as practicing clinicians.
  • The ways you may already be advocating for OT without even realizing it and how you can use what you’re already doing and apply it in different ways.

You are the expert in OT and the profession needs YOU to continue advocating for it.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement.

Looking for more policy info? Check out our articles at www.amplifyot.com/articles

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

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Quote for graphics:

“The best thing you can do to be an effective advocate for occupational therapy is to be a member of your state association and of AOTA. Your dues support the work that is happening on your behalf.”

Feb 21, 202335:27
Ep. 20 2022 Year-End Advocacy Wins and Losses for OT

Ep. 20 2022 Year-End Advocacy Wins and Losses for OT

We just ended the 117th Congress with some wins, some losses, but most importantly, a plan to keep moving forward to improve the Occupational Therapy profession for both patients and practitioners! That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about the 2022 OT advocacy wins and losses from congress!

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Congress ended its term with a massive 1.7 Trillion Dollar legislative package- The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2023 (otherwise referred to as the Omnibus Bill). Within this bill, there are quite a few healthcare policies that impact our practice.

To recap, here are some of the wins and areas for improvement that resulted from the 117th Congress:

The Wins:

  • The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act was officially passed!
  • Another extension was passed to allow Occupational Therapy practitioners and others to continue providing services via Telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and receive reimbursement until the end of 2024.
  • The Lymphedema Treatment Act was passed to expand the coverage to include Lymphedema garments as well as other commonly prescribed items.
  • A new Medicare mental health benefit was passed for intensive outpatient services that are provided at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) or rural health clinics.
  • A correction was made to a grant administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand their funding that allows OT programs to apply for behavioral health workforce education training to doctoral-level programs.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Congress mitigated the conversion factor in Medicare Part B payments (or the Medicate Physicians Fee Schedule) which, in turn, leads to cuts.
  • Revised supervision and exemptions for rural and medically underserved areas under the S.M.A.R.T. Act were not included in the bill.

You might be wondering what’s next. AOTA is going to continue analyzing this bill to look for opportunities we can benefit from (& spoiler alert: they have already identified a few) and now it’s time to reintroduce the bills that did not pass and look toward introducing new legislation.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement.



Jan 26, 202328:16
Special Episode: Can you justify the need for OT?
Jan 26, 202311:14
Ep. 18: Conversations with AOTA’s President, Alyson Stover, on Advocacy, Leadership, and Membership

Ep. 18: Conversations with AOTA’s President, Alyson Stover, on Advocacy, Leadership, and Membership

Curious what the AOTA President has to say about advocacy, leadership, and the role of occupational therapy? In this episode we talk about getting comfortable with consequences and how even though occupational therapy practitioners strive to always put the patient first, we may end up undervaluing ourselves as a result.

Alyson Stover, AOTA’s President, and I could have talked for hours! I’m so glad to bring you this conversation that I think puts an important perspective on where we stand as a profession and how we can move forward.

So, this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am joined by my guest Alyson Stover, AOTA’s President, as we talk about Alyson’s thoughts on advocacy, leadership and the OT profession.

In this episode we discuss:

  • AOTA’s role in Alyson’s experience throughout her career influenced to her desire to give back to the organization and profession as a whole.
  • The role of AOTA’s Board of Directors and President
  • Whether or not AOTA should be member driven or profession responsive
  • Common misconceptions about the role and structures within AOTA.
  • How you can go beyond your membership and be an advocate for the profession (& ways you may already be advocating without realizing it.)
  • The importance of protecting and promoting the value of the profession at every opportunity.
  • How occupational therapy practitioners may be undervaluing their skills to payers and the public.
  • Finding the balance of providing access with a service heart and remaining profitable.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/



Tired of changes at work and feeling like you have no control? Want to increase your bargaining power and knowledge so you can effectively advocate for your services? Then it’s time to check out Mastering OT Policy and Medicare. In 5 easy modules you’ll learn how the healthcare system works, understand the role of OT from the payer perspective, and how we can create change in our healthcare system! Register today at AmplifyOT.com/Medicare




Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement.

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Dec 20, 202201:10:52
Ep 17. Advocacy Initiatives for 2022 with Heather Parsons, VP of Federal Affairs at AOTA

Ep 17. Advocacy Initiatives for 2022 with Heather Parsons, VP of Federal Affairs at AOTA

A lot of times, we think that policy is something that happens to us, but today’s guest shares how we have an impact on the policies going to congress. This week on The Amplify OT Podcast, it is my great honor to be joined by my guest Heather Parsons, VP of Federal Affairs at the American Occupational Therapy Association, to talk about advocacy and what’s going to congress this November 2022!

In this episode, Heather shares how she bridged the gap from being a school-based therapist to becoming a deputy chief of staff working in politics and what the federal affairs team does at AOTA to support practitioners and the profession every single day.

The legislation we cover in this episode includes:

  • The Mental Health Parity Act
  • Telehealth
  • The Lymphodema Bill
  • The Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act
  • Medicare Physicians Fee Schedule
  • OTA Payment Differential/ Supervision (SMART) Act

Use your voice to take action early and often!

Interested in learning more about advocacy and how legislation like this impacts your practice? Sign up for Mastering OT Policy and Medicare today to be an informed and empowered occupational therapy practitioner!

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the Leadership and Medicare Reimbursement.

Looking for more policy info? Check out the Amplify OT Academcy at https://amplifyot.com/occupational-therapy-continuing-education/

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Dec 06, 202201:20:29
Ep. 16: False Claims Act - It's more than billing for services that weren't provided

Ep. 16: False Claims Act - It's more than billing for services that weren't provided

Now I know compliance is not a word that generally sparks a lot of excitement, however, it is something that is extremely important for both the business owner and us as individual clinicians to protect ourselves and our licenses. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking about the False Claims Act.

In this episode I cover:

  • The impacts that failure to follow rules and regulations has on you as a licensed professional.
  • What is the OIG and how some facilities are getting busted by them for filing incorrect claims to get a higher payout.
  • Important things you should know in regards to the false claims act and how to protect yourself from legal implications.
  • The responsibility you as a clinician has to understand the laws yourself instead of relying on your facility.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement.

Resources:

Looking for more policy info? Check out the Amplify OT Academy at https://amplifyot.com/occupational-therapy-continuing-education/

Curious how you can best avoid filing a false claim? Learning what Medicare covers and how our healthcare system works is the #1 way to understand the law. Take charge of your career and be the change you want to see with Mastering OT Policy & Medicare. Register today!

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

Nov 22, 202219:23
Ep 15: Is CMS changing its policy about if OT can initiate the OASIS in Home Health?

Ep 15: Is CMS changing its policy about if OT can initiate the OASIS in Home Health?

**Note: It has since been announced that the COVID-19 PHE will end on May 11, 2023 - Read more here**


There may be some confusion between CMS changing policies and the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency when it comes to Occupational Therapists starting home health OASIS. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I’m answering a listener question about the policy around who can initiate the OASIS in home health.

In this episode, I cover:

  • What to expect when it comes to renewing the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Why there might be this misconception that there needs to be another discipline doing an evaluation the same day as the OT.
  • The financial and liability implications that misunderstanding this policy can have on you as a practitioner.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement.

Did you miss Amplify OT’s OASIS training? Get access to the recording here: https://amplifyot.com/courses/scoring-the-home-health-oasis

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Nov 08, 202213:08
Ep. 14: Does Medicare limit the number of minutes an OT can provide in SNF? - Social Media Q&A

Ep. 14: Does Medicare limit the number of minutes an OT can provide in SNF? - Social Media Q&A

If you’re ever confused about a new rule at your facility, ask to see the policy. Not only will it clear up any misunderstandings or uninformed practices, it presents and opportunity for everyone to learn and grow in our field. This week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am answering a listener question about whether or not Medicare puts a limit on the number of minutes of care that you can provide to a patient.

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

In this episode I cover:

  • When you should be cautious of “new” Medicare rules.
  • How asking to see the policy can help clarify if the concern you’re dealing with is a Medicare rule or a facility rule disguised under Medicare.
  • My thoughts on why the facility we address in the listener’s question may have said there is a limit on the number of minutes of care under Medicare.
  • How you as the practitioner can be prepared to advocate for yourself and your patients.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on Medicare Reimbursement.

Did you miss Amplify OT’s OASIS training? Get access to the recording here: https://amplifyot.com/courses/scoring-the-home-health-oasis

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Oct 25, 202213:48
Ep. 13: Medicare's 8-Minute Rule: OT Billing Q&A

Ep. 13: Medicare's 8-Minute Rule: OT Billing Q&A

The 8-minute rule in billing is used in regard to time codes by Medicare to determine how many units of therapy you can bill underneath a timed code based on the amount of treatment time provided. If how to use the 8-minute rule is confusing to you, you’re not alone. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am answering a listener question on the 8-minute rule of billing!

In this episode, I cover:

  • When you will use the 8-minute rule
  • What the 8-minute rule means and how you can apply it in billing.
  • Timed codes vs. untimed codes.
  • Where you might get tripped up in billing and why it can sometimes be referred to as the 15-minute rule.
  • How you can use your time wisely and ensure you are getting paid for the care, you are providing.

Billing is such a complex situation, so it is important for you to always go to the source and seek out accurate information.

Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT, head to https://amplifyot.com/

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Do productivity talks, Medicare lingo, and reimbursement rules make you want to give up on the profession? Sure, you can keep wrestling with the info provided by your company, looking for documentation shortcuts while hoping you’re doing things right, OR you could carve out a bit of time to learn, and in return, you’ll be able to understand policy basics, know where to find the correct answers, and successfully advocate for yourself and your patients. Are you ready to trade that feeling of not knowing for being an informed and empowered occupational therapy practitioner? Sign up for the Mastering OT Policy & Medicare Course 

Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement.

CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT:

Oct 12, 202216:05
Ep. 12: Perspective on Policy & Advocacy from Crystal, Amplify OT's Capstone Student

Ep. 12: Perspective on Policy & Advocacy from Crystal, Amplify OT's Capstone Student

I had known that I wanted to take on a capstone student but was nervous I wasn’t quite ready for it. When I met Crystal, her drive and curiosity were everything I needed to assure me that I was ready and she was the perfect match. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking to Crystal, who has been working with me for the last 14 weeks and joined me today to share what she’s learned and give more insight into her capstone experience. In this episode, Crystal and I cover: What led to Crystal’s curiosity in advocacy and how we came to work together. Crystal’s role in creating the New Grad Reimbursement Guide course. The additional knowledge Crystal gained through doing her capstone with Amplify OT that she wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere. Myths around policy and engaging in advocacy that Crystal once believed were proven untrue during her capstone work. What’s next for Crystal in her career as an OT. Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT, head to https://amplifyot.com/ Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement. CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT: Website Work With Me Free Newsletter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook TikTok LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Crystal’s Blog Post: https://amplifyot.com/advocacy-capstone-experience-2022/  Course Sign-up - https://amplifyot.com/new-grad-guide

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Aug 29, 202227:26
Q&A: Is OT a Qualifying Discipline in Home Health

Q&A: Is OT a Qualifying Discipline in Home Health

Aug 23, 202206:37
Ep. 10: Home Health OASIS & Value-Based Purchasing

Ep. 10: Home Health OASIS & Value-Based Purchasing

The OASIS is part of the initial and comprehensive assessment that you have to complete on all Medicare and Medicaid patients in home health and is a way that CMS is showing their commitment to standardizing the way in which we assess patients in post acute care across all patients. That’s why this week on The Amplify OT Podcast, I am talking all things OASIS and the upcoming home health Value-Based Purchasing program. In this episode I cover: What is the OASIS, new changes, and new measures to be aware of. The importance of accurate scoring and how you can use the free manual to do so. How scoring with OASIS differs from Section GG scoring and why it is vital to understand the differences. Observation vs. interview and examples of when it makes a difference. Everything you need to know about the upcoming Value-Based Purchasing program. Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate and review the show. To learn more about Amplify OT head to https://amplifyot.com/ Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement. Did you miss Amplify OT’s OASIS training? Get access to the recording here: https://amplifyot.com/courses/scoring-the-home-health-oasis CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT: Website Work With Me Free Newsletter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook TikTok LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FREE OASIS D Scoring Guidance Manual  OASIS E Guidance Manual Draft Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HH VBP) Resources


Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Aug 15, 202226:26
Ep. 9: Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) in Home Health
Jul 23, 202230:25
Ep 8: How to Make a Successful Occupational Therapy Discharge Plan
Jun 18, 202230:52
Ep. 7: OT Licensure Compact with Meghan Pudeler from AOTA
May 25, 202243:50
Ep: 6 How Medicare Law is Made
Apr 20, 202226:20
Ep 5: Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Ep 5: Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Today's episode is all about PDPM in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). We talk about the fundamentals of the old payment system or RUG levels and how it is different from the payment model we have today. We also take a good look at Section GG, its impact on reimbursement and quality outcomes, how therapy specifically is paid for, group and concurrent therapy, and more!  Do productivity talks, Medicare lingo, and reimbursement rules make you want to give up on the profession? Sure, you can keep wrestling with the info provided by your company, looking for documentation shortcuts and posting questions in Facebook groups while hoping you’re doing things right OR you could carve out a bit of time to learn and in return you’ll be able to understand policy basics, know where to find the correct answers, and successfully advocate for yourself and your patients. Are you ready to trade that feeling of not knowing for being an informed and empowered occupational therapy practitioner? Sign up for the Mastering OT Policy & Medicare Course before October 14th, 2022! Need CEUs? Save 40% off on your Medbridge subscription by using code “AmplifyOT” at checkout or by visiting https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/amplify-ot. Medbridge has great CEUs on the OASIS and Medicare Reimbursement. CONNECT WITH AMPLIFY OT: Website Work With Me Free Newsletter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook TikTok

Join the Amplify OT Membership today to take control of your career! It’s time to become your own best resource on Medicare and advocacy!

Feb 25, 202223:40
Ep. 4: Insurance and How It Impacts Our Plan of Care
Jan 20, 202223:26
Ep3: 2022 Medicare Updates: Home Health, Medicare Sequester, and more
Jan 06, 202212:05
Ep 2: Take Action: Stop the Medicare Cuts for 2022
Dec 07, 202109:38
Ep 1: The Occupational Therapy Assistant Modifier
Dec 04, 202123:39
Welcome to the Amplify OT Podcast

Welcome to the Amplify OT Podcast

Nov 18, 202100:55