QUAD A keeps accrediting PT clinics for Medicare cash
Published Date: 2/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, also known as QUAD A, got the green light to keep accrediting outpatient physical therapy programs for Medicare and Medicaid from April 2025 to April 2030. This means outpatient therapy centers can continue using QUAD A’s stamp of approval to join these government health programs. Providers and patients can expect smooth, trusted access to quality physical therapy services without any hiccups or extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
QUAD A Approved as OPT Accreditor
If you operate an outpatient physical therapy (OPT) program, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (QUAD A) is approved by CMS to accredit OPTs for Medicare and Medicaid from April 4, 2025 through April 4, 2030. OPTs accredited under QUAD A’s approved program may be deemed to meet Medicare conditions for participation.
Stricter/Clarified Accreditation Standards
QUAD A revised its OPT accreditation standards and survey processes to align with Medicare conditions, including clarifications on survey types and guidance, ensuring clinical record reviews cover primary and extension locations and treatment by contracted employees, and requiring surveyors to be trained to conduct patient and staff interviews. QUAD A also added requirements to assess equipment compliance with manufacturer instructions.
Clarified Termination/Correction Timeline
QUAD A revised its communications to providers to more clearly explain the process related to potential termination and clarified that OPTs are generally expected to be in compliance within 60 days of identified deficiencies, consistent with State Survey Agency processes. QUAD A was also asked to clarify the difference between impacts on Medicare participation versus QUAD A accreditation status.
Accreditation Is Voluntary
If you run an OPT, accreditation by a CMS-approved national accrediting organization like QUAD A is voluntary and not required for Medicare participation. You can still seek state survey agency certification instead of accreditation.
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