What is one ruling from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding athletic trainers?

The ruling from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding athletic trainers is primarily centered on the role that athletic trainers play in the healthcare system, particularly in relation to billing practices. Currently, athletic trainers are not recognized as direct providers under Medicare, meaning that services they provide cannot typically be billed directly to Medicare by physicians either. This understanding highlights that while athletic trainers offer significant support and services within athletic and rehabilitative contexts, there are specific regulations that define their capacity in the billing process.

Recognizing athletic trainers’ contributions is important, but the intricate relationship between providers, insurers, and Medicare's regulations often limits how these professionals can operate within the reimbursement framework. This ruling emphasizes the need for athletic trainers to work closely with physicians, who can bill for their services, but it also highlights a limitation in the autonomy and direct reimbursement of athletic trainers by Medicare.