American Physical Therapy Association

Infobox Organization
name = American Physical Therapy Association


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motto = "The Science of Healing. The Art of Caring."
formation = 1921
type = Professional association
headquarters = Virginia
location = flagicon|USA United States
membership = 71,000
language = English
leader_title = President
leader_name = R. Scott Ward
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website = http://www.apta.org/The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 66,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.

Core documents

APTA's Core Documents include a vision statement, code of ethics, guide for professional conduct, and PTA conduct guidelines.

Goals

These goals are based upon the American Physical Therapy Association Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020 (Vision 2020) developed by the Association in 2000. The goals encompass the Association's major priorities as it moves toward realization of the ideals set forth in Vision 2020. The Board is committed to these goals as the foundation from which to lead the Association.

Mission statement

The mission of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the principal membership organization representing and promoting the profession of physical therapy, is to further the profession's role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunctions and the enhancement of the physical health and functional abilities of members of the public.

Vision statement

By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy (DPT), recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.

Lobby work

On December 9, 2006, APTA along with over 40 other national medical organizations, successfully lobbied to freeze an immediate Medicare cap that would have limited patients from getting physical therapy. [ [http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Stop_the_Therapy_Cap_and_Fee_Schedule_Cuts&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=35662 APTA President Message On Dec 9] ] The $1,740 arbitrary cap would have effectively forced seniors suffering from hip injuries, stroke, and Parkinson's disease to stop treatment or pay for therapy themselves. [ [http://www.directrehabservices.com/medcapinfo.html $1,740 Therapy Cap Info] ]

According to The Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007, which does set the therapy cap at $1,810, the exception has been extended through June 30, 2008; this bill also includes other provisions important to physical therapists. APTA continues to advocate for the best long term solution - a complete repeal of the therapy caps. [ [http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Therapy_Cap APTA Medicare therapy cap resource] ]

ee also

* "Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy"

References

External links

* [http://www.apta.org American Physical Therapy Association]