1. EMPOWER Act (HR4878/S2459) to require Medicare to accept a states supervision standard for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in outpatient settings instead of Medicare maintaining their own direct supervision requirement.
2. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (S.793/H.R.1617) which seeks to expand access to the program beyond the 2016 law which allows physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to participate in the program to all physical therapists nationwide.
3. Supporting the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R.2474) to provide Medicare payment with an annual inflationary index adjustment.
Duration: June 16, 2014
to
December 31, 2023
General Issues: Health Issues , Taxation/Internal Revenue Code
Spending: about $659,000 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)
It can be tricky to figure out how much an organization spent on a particular lobbying engagement. The law only requires lobbyists to report the amount they were paid for federal lobbying each quarter rounded to the nearest $10,000—and if it's less than $3,000 in a given quarter (or less than $13,000 for organizations with in-house lobbyists), they don't have to disclose it at all. Plus, some organizations include spending that doesn’t belong in the report—for instance, money spent lobbying state governments or other legal work.
Agencies lobbied since 2014: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Labor - Dept of (DOL), Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Lobbyists
Lobbyists named here were listed on a filing related to this lobbying engagement. They may not be working on it now. Occasionally, a single lobbyist whose name is spelled two different ways on filings may be represented twice here.
Disclosures Filed
Once a lobbying engagement begins, the lobbyist or firm is required to file updates four times a year. Those updates sometimes change which lobbyists are involved or add new issues being discussed. When lobbyists stop working for a client, the firm is also supposed to file a report disclosing the end of the relationship.
4th Quarter, 2023
Lillstrom Cheng Strategies terminated an engagement in which they represented Private Practice Section of APTA on Feb. 5.
Original Filing: 301543462.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. EMPOWER Act (HR4878/S2459) to require Medicare to accept a states supervision standard for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in outpatient settings instead of Medicare maintaining their own direct supervision requirement.
2. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (S.793/H.R.1617) which seeks to expand access to the program beyond the 2016 law which allows physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to participate in the program to all physical therapists nationwide.
3. Supporting the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R.2474) to provide Medicare payment with an annual inflationary index adjustment.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2023
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $30,000. The report was filed on Nov. 20, 2023.
Original Filing: 301519177.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. EMPOWER Act (HR4878/S2459) to require Medicare to accept a states supervision standard for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in outpatient settings instead of Medicare maintaining their own direct supervision requirement.
2. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (S.793/H.R.1617) which seeks to expand access to the program beyond the 2016 law which allows physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to participate in the program to all physical therapists nationwide.
3. Supporting the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R.2474) to provide Medicare payment with an annual inflationary index adjustment.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2023
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $30,000. The report was filed on Aug. 28, 2023.
Original Filing: 301495575.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Reintroduction of legislation that will focus on requiring Medicare to accept a states supervision standard for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in outpatient settings instead of Medicare maintaining their own direct supervision requirement.
2. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (S.793/H.R.1617) which seeks to expand access to the program beyond the 2016 law which allows physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to participate in the program to all physical therapists nationwide.
3. Supporting the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R.2474) to provide Medicare payment with an annual inflationary index adjustment.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2023
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $30,000. The report was filed on May 12, 2023.
Original Filing: 301470926.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. reintroduction of legislation that will focus on requiring Medicare to accept a states supervision standard for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in outpatient settings instead of Medicare maintaining their own direct supervision requirement.
2. Reintroduction of The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (S.793/H.R.1617) which seeks to expand access to the program beyond the 2016 law which allows physical therapists in rural, medically underserved, and health professional shortage areas to participate in the program to all physical therapists nationwide.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2022
In Q4, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $30,000. The report was filed on Dec. 19, 2022.
Original Filing: 301423981.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611/S.2612)to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
2. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168/S.3193) to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
3. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
4. The SMART Act (H.R.5536) to delay implementation of the PTA/OTA differential by one year, exempt therapy assistants in rural and medically underserved areas from the differential, and to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
5. S.5, a bill to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
6. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3108) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2022
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $30,000. The report was filed on Dec. 19, 2022.
Original Filing: 301423980.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611/S.2612)to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
2. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168/S.3193) to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
3. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
4. The SMART Act (H.R.5536) to delay implementation of the PTA/OTA differential by one year, exempt therapy assistants in rural and medically underserved areas from the differential, and to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
5. S.5, a bill to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
6. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3108) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2022
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $50,000. The report was filed on July 21, 2022.
Original Filing: 301396868.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611/S.2612)and potential Senate companion bill, to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
2. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168/S.3193) and potential Senate companion bill, to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
3. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
4. The SMART Act (H.R.5536) to delay implementation of the PTA/OTA differential by one year, exempt therapy assistants in rural and medically underserved areas from the differential, and to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
5. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3108) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
6. The bipartisan Primary Health Services Enhancement Act (H.R.5365) would allow CHCs to offer physical therapy services which will be provided by a physical therapist.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2022
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $50,000. The report was filed on July 21, 2022.
Original Filing: 301396864.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611/S.2612)and potential Senate companion bill, to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
2. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168/S.3193) and potential Senate companion bill, to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
3. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
4. The SMART Act (H.R.5536) to delay implementation of the PTA/OTA differential by one year, exempt therapy assistants in rural and medically underserved areas from the differential, and to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
5. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3108) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2021
In Q4, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $50,000. The report was filed on Feb. 17, 2022.
Original Filing: 301341550.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611/S.2612)and potential Senate companion bill, to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
2. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168/S.3193) and potential Senate companion bill, to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
3. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
4. The SMART Act (H.R.5536) to delay implementation of the PTA/OTA differential by one year, exempt therapy assistants in rural and medically underserved areas from the differential, and to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
5. Gain supporters for extending the 3.75% Medicare payment adjustment for another year, including gaining cosigners for Bera-Bucshon letter requesting that action before end of 2021.
6. The bipartisan Eliminating Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act (H.R.2079) is seeking to override the 2020 IRS guidance which stated provider relief fund grants are to be treated as gross income and therefore taxable.
7. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3108) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2021
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $40,000. The report was filed on Nov. 23, 2021.
Original Filing: 301318553.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611/S.2612)and potential Senate companion bill, to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
2. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168/S.3193) and potential Senate companion bill, to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
3. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
4. The SMART Act (H.R.5536) to delay implementation of the PTA/OTA differential by one year, exempt therapy assistants in rural and medically underserved areas from the differential, and to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings to that which state law requires.
5. Gain supporters for extending the 3.75% Medicare payment adjustment for another year, including gaining cosigners for Bera-Bucshon letter requesting that action before end of 2021.
6. The bipartisan Eliminating Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act (H.R.2079) is seeking to override the 2020 IRS guidance which stated provider relief fund grants are to be treated as gross income and therefore taxable.
7. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173/S.3108) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2021
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $40,000. The report was filed on June 9, 2021.
Original Filing: 301272388.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Advocating for the passage of the bipartisan Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act (H.R.315/S.748) in order to delay the reinstatement of the Medicare sequester until the public health emergency (PHE) is revoked. Supported passage of legislation to delay the return of sequestration until January 1, 2022.
2. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611)and potential Senate companion bill, to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
3. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168) and potential Senate companion bill, to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
5. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826/H.R.3322)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
6. Requesting that the Labor Health and Human Services (Labor-H) Appropriations bill include report language that directs CMS to change the supervision requirement for PTAs in private practice settings from direct to general supervision.
7. The bipartisan Eliminating Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act (H.R.2079) is seeking to override the 2020 IRS guidance which stated provider relief fund grants are to be treated as gross income and therefore taxable.
8. The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173) to reduce administrative burden by requiring a streamed and standardized way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization as well as increasing oversight and transparency around prior authorization.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2021
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $40,000. The report was filed on June 9, 2021.
Original Filing: 301272386.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. The American Rescue Plan. enacted on March 11th. Portions most relevant to PPS: the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, paid sick and paid family leave tax credit, Employee retention tax credit (ERTC).
2. Advocating for the passage of the bipartisan Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act (H.R.315/S.748) in order to delay the reinstatement of the Medicare sequester until the public health emergency (PHE) is revoked. Supported passage delay the return of sequestration until January 1, 2022.
3. The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (H.R.1611) to allow ALL private practice physical therapists-regardless of where their clinic is located-to use a locum tenens to provide their Medicare patients continued care when they need to be out of the clinic.
4. The Expanded Telehealth Access Act (H.R.2168) to permanently add physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other rehabilitation therapists to the list of providers that Medicare pays for telehealth.
5. The Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S.826)to allow a Medicare beneficiary to enter into a direct contract with an eligible professional (regardless of whether that person was a participating or non-participating physician or practitioner) for any item or service covered by Medicare.
6. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) extension
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2020
In Q4, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $30,000. The report was filed on Feb. 16, 2021.
Original Filing: 301248540.xml
Lobbying Issues
Engaged with both legislative chambers and CMS in order to prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 (projected 9% cut for physical therapy) by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes or other policy options to drastically reduce the cut to Medicare reimbursement. This was achieved by writing letters to Congress as well as supporting client's efforts to endorse and advocate for The Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act (H.R. 7154) would allow PT, OT, and SLP professionals, and facilities that provide outpatient therapy to bill Medicare for outpatient therapy services furnished via telehealth, modify the plan of care certification requirement in order to reduce administrative burden and delays in care; and prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes. Summarized impact of CMS 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule upon PPS members.
Engaged with lawmakers and their staff as well as CMS in order to achieve Medicare coverage of PT provided via telehealth. Advised clients on the impacts of COVID-19 related legislation such as FFCRA, CARES (the PPP and other features), PPPFA, Consolidated Appropriations Act, etc. Successfully lobbied Congressional to clarify that forgiven PPP expenses also be tax deductible. Sent letter to Congressional leadership asking that Provider Relief Fund payments be tax free. Successfully advocated for the inclusion of language from S.4117/H.R.7777 in order to facilitate a one-page form EZ PPP loan forgiveness process for PPP loans of $150,000 or less in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Advocated successfully for the delay of the reinstatement of the 2% Medicare sequester cut (a derivative of H.R.8840 which called for a delay for the duration of the public health emergency)
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2020
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $10,000. The report was filed on Sept. 17, 2020.
Original Filing: 301206528.xml
Lobbying Issues
Engaged with both legislative chambers and CMS in order to prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 (projected 9% cut for physical therapy) by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes. This was achieved by writing letters to Congress as well as supporting client's efforts to endorse and advocate for The Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act (H.R. 7154) would allow PT, OT, and SLP professionals, and facilities that provide outpatient therapy to bill Medicare for outpatient therapy services furnished via telehealth, modify the plan of care certification requirement in order to reduce administrative burden and delays in care; and prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes. Wrote and filed PPS comment letter to CMS re: 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.
Engaged with lawmakers and their staff as well as CMS in order to achieve Medicare coverage of PT provided via telehealth. Advised clients on the impacts of COVID-19 related legislation such as FFCRA, CARES (the PPP and other features), PPPFA, etc. Asked for Congressional action to clarifiy desire for PPP loan forgiveness to be tax free and highlighted the tax implications of not allowing for forgiven PPP expenses to also be tax deductible. Sent letter to Congressional leadership asking that Provider Relief Fund payments be tax free. Advocated for the passage of S.4117/H.R.7777 which would facilitate a one-page form EZ PPP loan forgiveness process for PPP loans of $150,000 or less.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2020
Lillstrom Cheng Strategies filed a lobbying registration on Sept. 17, 2020 to represent Private Practice Section of APTA, effective April 1, 2020.
Original Filing: 301206525.xml
Issue(s) they said they’d lobby about: Inclusion of private practice physical therapists in federal policy and reimbursement. .
2nd Quarter, 2020
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Strategies lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $13,000. The report was filed on Sept. 17, 2020.
Original Filing: 301206526.xml
Lobbying Issues
Engaged with both legislative chambers and CMS in order to prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes. This was achieved by writing letters to Congress as well as supporting client's efforts to endorse and advocate for The Outpatient Therapy Modernization and Stabilization Act (H.R. 7154) would allow PT, OT, and SLP professionals, and facilities that provide outpatient therapy to bill Medicare for outpatient therapy services furnished via telehealth, modify the plan of care certification requirement in order to reduce administrative burden and delays in care; and prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes.
Engaged with lawmakers and their staff as well as CMS in order to achieve Medicare coverage of PT provided via telehealth. Advised clients on the impacts of COVID-19 related legislation such as FFCRA, CARES (the PPP and other features), PPPFA, etc. Asked for Congressional action to clarifiy desire for PPP loan forgiveness to be tax free and highlighted the tax implications of not allowing for forgiven PPP expenses to also be tax deductible. Sent letter to Congressional leadership asking that Provider Relief Fund payments be tax free.
Wrote to CMS suggesting the following administrative burdens could support the economic recovery sought by the President's Executive Order: Waive budget neutrality requirement of Physician Fee Schedule in order to prevent the 8% cut to PT, allow for the general supervision of PTAs by PTs in outpatient physical therapy settings, allow for PTAs to provide maintenance therapy, and modify the plan of care certification requirement to reduce delays in car
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2020
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on June 29, 2020.
Original Filing: 301184794.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of HR2802/S970, the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act which would add physical therapists to the list of providers eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps and HR2143, the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act to remove PTs and others from the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception. Lobbying Members of Congress on behalf of PT utilization of telehealth to provide care to patients in the CONNECT for Health Act (HR4932/S2741) and S2812 to add rehabilitation therapists to the list of clinicians who are able to opt-out of Medicare as well as a bill to allow all physical therapists to use a locum tenens provider to ensure uninterrupted access to physical therapy.
Engaged with both legislative chambers and CMS in order to prevent CMS proposed steep cuts to Medicare in 2021 by providing a one-time exemption from the currently mandated Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality rules triggered by the re-weighting of the office/outpatient Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes. Engaged with lawmakers and their staff in support of small business and healthcare providers as the COVID-19 crisis emerged.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2019
In Q4, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Dec. 16, 2019.
Original Filing: 301102449.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of HR2802/S970, the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act which would add physical therapists to the list of providers eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps and HR2143, the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act to remove PTs and others from the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception. Lobbying Members of Congress on behalf of PT utilization of telehealth to provide care to patients in the CONNECT for Health Act (HR4932/S2741) and S2812 to add rehabilitation therapists to the list of clinicians who are able to opt-out of Medicare as well as a bill to allow all physical therapists to use a locum tenens provider to ensure uninterrupted access to physical therapy.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2019
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Dec. 16, 2019.
Original Filing: 301102448.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of HR2802/S970, the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act which would add physical therapists to the list of providers eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps and HR2143, the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act to remove PTs and others from the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception. Lobbying Members of Congress on behalf of PT utilization of telehealth to provide care to patients and seeking a champion for adding rehabilitation therapists to the list of clinicians who are able to opt-out of Medicare. Submitted response to CMS proposed rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and MIPS.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2019
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Aug. 23, 2019.
Original Filing: 301061448.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of HR2802/S970, the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act which would add physical therapists to the list of providers eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps and HR2143, the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act to remove PTs and others from the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception. Lobbying Members of Congress on behalf of PT utilization of telehealth to provide care to patients and seeking a champion for adding rehabilitation therapists to the list of clinicians who are able to opt-out of Medicare. Submitted response to CMS RFI regarding administrative burden.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2019
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on May 24, 2019.
Original Filing: 301041547.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying to seek reintroduction of the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act which would add physical therapists to the list of providers eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps. Updated bill language to specifically mention that physical therapists could be used as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain in order to prevent opiate abuse or to help those who are already struggling with addiction to opiates. Successfully supported the reintroduction of H.R. 2143, the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act to remove PTs and others from the In-Office Ancillary Services Exception. Responded to Congressional Telehealth Caucus' RFI on behalf of PT utilization of telehealth to provide care to patients. Met with Department of Labor regarding the letter of interpretation on whether or not first aid provided by physical therapists is a reportable injury under OSHA.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2018
In Q4, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on March 4, 2019.
Original Filing: 301021034.xml
Lobbying Issues
Commenting upon the impact that MIPS and its reporting system would have upon physical therapists and the technologies needed to support them; educating members and administration about the value of physical therapy and the need to remove PTs from the In-Office-Ancillary Services Exception; comment to the IRS on how private practice physical therapists should be categorized for tax purposes; impact and need to add physical therapists to the national health service corps.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2018
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on March 29, 2019.
Original Filing: 301021937.xml
Lobbying Issues
Seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare. Lobbying in support of PPS-endorsed bills to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth as well as adding physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any regulations promulgated by CMS. File comments with IRS re: proposed rules for tax treatment of specialized trades and businesses.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2018
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Aug. 20, 2018.
Original Filing: 300980949.xml
Lobbying Issues
Seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare. Lobbying in support of PPS-endorsed bills to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth as well as adding physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any regulations promulgated by CMS. File comments with CMS re: proposed rules for Association Health Plans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2018
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on May 30, 2018.
Original Filing: 300960721.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of the passage of HR807/S253 which seeks to repeal the cap on the amount of physical therapy which a Medicare beneficiary can receive; seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare. Lobbying in support of PPS-endorsed bills to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth as well as adding physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any regulations promulgated by CMS.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2017
In Q4, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Feb. 27, 2018.
Original Filing: 300940777.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of the passage of HR807/S253 which seeks to repeal the cap on the amount of physical therapy which a Medicare beneficiary can receive; seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare. Lobbying in support of PPS-endorsed bills to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth as well as adding physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any regulations promulgated by CMS.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2017
In Q3, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Nov. 16, 2017.
Original Filing: 300919295.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of the passage of HR807/S253 which seeks to repeal the cap on the amount of physical therapy which a Medicare beneficiary can receive; seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare. Lobbying in support of PPS-endorsed bills to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth as well as adding physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any health care reform package proposed or voted upon.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2017
In Q2, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on Sept. 11, 2017.
Original Filing: 300900460.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of the passage of HR807/S253 which seeks to repeal the cap on the amount of physical therapy which a Medicare beneficiary can receive; seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare. Lobbying in support of PPS-endorsed bills to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth as well as adding physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any health care reform package proposed or voted upon.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2017
In Q1, Lillstrom Cheng Connolly LLC, FKA Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA , earning $12,000. The report was filed on April 4, 2017.
Original Filing: 300862427.xml
Lobbying Issues
Lobbying in support of the passage of HR807/S253 which seeks to repeal the cap on the amount of physical therapy which a Medicare beneficiary can receive; seeking reintroduction of bills to allow for physical therapists to use the locum tenens provisions of Medicare regardless of the location of their clinic, opt-out of Medicare, to allow for PTs to be reimbursed for care provided via telehealth. Advocated to protect the Essential Health Benefits in any health care reform package proposed or voted upon.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2016
In Q4, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on Feb. 13, 2017.
Original Filing: 300860323.xml
Lobbying Issues
HR556/S313, Prevent Interruptions to Physical Therapy: adding physical therapists to the Medicare locum tenens program; channeling grassroots support for this bill's inclusion in the 21st Century Cures legislation.
HR775/S539, Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services: to repeal the monetary cap on physical therapy for Medicare beneficiaries.
HR2948, Medicare Telehealth Parity to allow for Medicare to reimburse all eligible providers--including physical therapists--for care provided via telehealth.
HR1650/S1849, Medicare Patient Empowerment Act: to allow Medicare providers to opt out of Medicare on a case-by-case basis to empower patients to chose their provider and how to pay for care.
HR2712, Commonsense Reporting and Verification Act and S1996, Commonsense Reporting Act: simplify the process for employer reporting of employees using the ACA Marketplace to purchase health insurance while increasing transparency and disclosure for employees.
HR2799/S1465; Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act: to allow for stroke assessment via telehealth regardless of location of the originating site.
HR4442/S2484, CONNECT for Health Act of 2016: telehealth reform bill in three parts: 1. allowing for Medicare Advantage to provide telehealth coverage as a basic benefit; 2. allowing stroke assessment via telehealth regardless of originating site; and 3. allow for MIPS providers to be covered for use of telehealth, and allows for HHS Secretary to add additional providers such as physical therapists; Medicare Telehealth Parity Act (H.R.2948) to allow for complete access to care via telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries.
Supporting the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act (H.R.5088)to remove physical therapists from the in-office ancillary services exception. Also lobbying for any reforms to veterans health coverage to ensure continued access to community based providers.
Evaluate CMS final rules re: MIPS and MPFS
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2016
In Q3, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on Oct. 5, 2016.
Original Filing: 300825287.xml
Lobbying Issues
HR556/S313, Prevent Interruptions to Physical Therapy: adding physical therapists to the Medicare locum tenens program
HR775/S539, Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services: to repeal the monetary cap on physical therapy for Medicare beneficiaries.
HR2948, Medicare Telehealth Parity to allow for Medicare to reimburse all eligible providers--including physical therapists--for care provided via telehealth.
HR1650/S1849, Medicare Patient Empowerment Act: to allow Medicare providers to opt out of Medicare on a case-by-case basis to empower patients to chose their provider and how to pay for care.
HR2712, Commonsense Reporting and Verification Act and S1996, Commonsense Reporting Act: simplify the process for employer reporting of employees using the ACA Marketplace to purchase health insurance while increasing transparency and disclosure for employees.
HR2799/S1465; Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act: to allow for stroke assessment via telehealth regardless of location of the originating site.
HR4442/S2484, CONNECT for Health Act of 2016: telehealth reform bill in three parts: 1. allowing for Medicare Advantage to provide telehealth coverage as a basic benefit; 2. allowing stroke assessment via telehealth regardless of originating site; and 3. allow for MIPS providers to be covered for use of telehealth, and allows for HHS Secretary to add additional providers such as physical therapists; Medicare Telehealth Parity Act (H.R.2948) to allow for complete access to care via telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries.
Supporting the Promoting Integrity in Medicare Act (H.R.5088)to remove physical therapists from the in-office ancillary services exception. Also lobbying for any reforms to veterans health coverage to ensure continued access to community based providers.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2016
In Q2, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on July 3, 2016.
Original Filing: 300806543.xml
Lobbying Issues
HR556/S313, Prevent Interruptions to Physical Therapy: adding physical therapists to the Medicare locum tenens program
HR775/S539, Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services: to repeal the monetary cap on physical therapy for Medicare beneficiaries.
HR2948, Medicare Telehealth Parity to allow for Medicare to reimburse all eligible providers--including physical therapists--for care provided via telehealth.
HR1650/S1849, Medicare Patient Empowerment Act: to allow Medicare providers to opt out of Medicare on a case-by-case basis to empower patients to chose their provider and how to pay for care.
HR2712, Commonsense Reporting and Verification Act and S1996, Commonsense Reporting Act: simplify the process for employer reporting of employees using the ACA Marketplace to purchase health insurance while increasing transparency and disclosure for employees.
HR2799/S1465, Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act: to allow for stroke assessment via telehealth regardless of location of the originating site.
HR4442/S2484, CONNECT for Health Act of 2016: telehealth reform bill in three parts: 1. allowing for Medicare Advantage to provide telehealth coverage as a basic benefit; 2. allowing stroke assessment via telehealth regardless of originating site; and 3. allow for MIPS providers to be covered for use of telehealth, and allows for HHS Secretary to add additional providers such as physical therapists
also lobbying for any reforms to veterans health coverage to ensure continued access to community based providers.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2016
In Q1, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on Oct. 5, 2016.
Original Filing: 300825284.xml
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for support of the locum tenens legislation, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015 (HR556/S313). Support grassroots efforts of practitioner members to ask for their representatives to support locum tenens legislation. Advocated for the inclusion of the permanent repeal of the therapy cap as well as support for HR1650 and S1849--a reform of the medicare opt-out provision that includes physical therapists and allows for one-to-one billing relationships between providers and beneficiaries. Also lobbying two bills that PPS has endorsed: a stroke telehealth bill (HR2799/S1465) and bills to simplify employer reporting of health plan coverage under the ACA in order to increase transparency and reduce administrative burdens (HR2712/S1996).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2015
In Q4, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on March 1, 2016.
Original Filing: 300787064.xml
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for support of the locum tenens legislation, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015 (HR556/S313). Support grassroots efforts of practitioner members to ask for their representatives to support locum tenens legislation. Advocated for the inclusion of the permanent repeal of the therapy cap as well as support for HR1650 and S1849--a reform of the medicare opt-out provision that includes physical therapists and allows for one-to-one billing relationships between providers and beneficiaries. Also lobbying two bills that PPS has endorsed: a stroke telehealth bill (HR2799/S1465) and bills to simplify employer reporting of health plan coverage under the ACA in order to increase transparency and reduce administrative burdens (HR2712/S1996).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2015
In Q3, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on Nov. 4, 2015.
Original Filing: 300767246.xml
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for support of the locum tenens legislation, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015 (HR556/S313) as well as prepared and responded to congressional inquiry during hearing of HR556 in the Energy & Commerce, Health Subcommittee. Support grassroots efforts of practitioner members to ask for their representatives to support locum tenens legislation. Advocated for the inclusion of the permanent repeal of the therapy cap as well as support for HR1650 and S1849--a reform of the medicare opt-out provision that includes physical therapists and allows for one-to-one billing relationships between providers and beneficiaries. Also lobbying two bills that PPS has endorsed: a stroke telehealth bill (HR2799/S1465) and bills to simplify employer reporting of health plan coverage under the ACA in order to increase transparency and reduce administrative burdens (HR2712/S1996).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2015
In Q2, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of APTA on behalf of Connolly Strategies . The report was filed on Aug. 20, 2015.
Original Filing: 300749257.xml
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for support of the locum tenens legislation, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015 (HR556/S313) as well as prepared and responded to congressional inquiry during markup of S.313 in Senate Finance Committee. Supported a fly-in Hill day where practitioner members asked for their representatives to support locum tenens legislation, the reform and repeal of the sustainable growth rate as well as the Medicare therapy cap in the same bill. Advocated for the inclusion of the permanent repeal of the therapy cap as well as support for HR1650 and HR 1849--a reform of the medicare opt-out provision that includes physical therapists and allows for one-to-one billing relationships between providers and beneficiaries.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
1st Quarter, 2015
In Q1, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association . The report was filed on May 12, 2015.
Original Filing: 300729566.xml
Lobbying Issues
Advocated for the successful reintroduction of the locum tenens legislation, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2015 (HR556/S313) as well as the passage of HR2, Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. Led and planned a fly-in Hill day where I and the practitioner members asked for their representatives to support locum tenens legislation, the reform and repeal of the sustainable growth rate as well as the Medicare therapy cap in the same bill. During HR2 debate, advocated for the inclusion of the permanent repeal of the therapy cap as well.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
4th Quarter, 2014
In Q4, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association . The report was filed on Feb. 3, 2015.
Original Filing: 300710320.xml
Lobbying Issues
Continued support for the locum tenens bills (HR 3426/S2818) which would add physical therapists to the list of healthcare practitioners who are able to use temporary substitute providers to serve their Medicare patients. Efforts to ensure that the bills will be reintroduced in the 114th Congress.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
3rd Quarter, 2014
In Q3, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association . The report was filed on Sept. 16, 2014.
Original Filing: 300672955.xml
Lobbying Issues
Senate introduction of a bill to add physical therapists to the list of healthcare practitioners who are able to use locum tenens to use temporary substitute providers to serve their Medicate patients. Continued support for previously introduced House companion bill, HR 3426.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2014
Zhende Strategies LLC amended a lobbying report for representation of Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association in Q22014 on Sept. 16, 2014.
Original Filing: 300672952.xml
Lobbying Issues
To add physical therapists to the list of healthcare practitioners who are able to use locum tenens to use temporary substitute providers to serve their Medicare patients. (HR 3426 and goal of the introduction of a Senate companion bill)
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2014
In Q2, Zhende Strategies LLC lobbied for Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association . The report was filed on Aug. 26, 2014.
Original Filing: 300672464.xml
Lobbying Issues
To add physical therapists to the list of healthcare practitioners who are able to use locum tenens to use temporary substitute providers to serve their Medicare patients. (HR 3426 and goal of the introduction of a Senate companion bill)
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. Senate
2nd Quarter, 2014
Zhende Strategies LLC filed a lobbying registration on July 31, 2014 to represent Private Practice Section of American Physical Therapy Association, effective June 16, 2014.
Original Filing: 300671371.xml
Issue(s) they said they’d lobby about: locum tenens, Medicare opt-out, SGR, physician self-referral .
Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Senate
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