Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?

Yes, Medicare covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy prescribed by a doctor to help address conditions hindering the ability to perform daily activities. However, Medicare coverage for physical therapy involves limitations, costs, and details that beneficiaries should understand. This article provides comprehensive information to help you determine if Medicare covers physical therapy for your situation.

What Conditions Can Medicare Cover Physical Therapy For?

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy when a physician prescribes it. The goal of physical therapy must be treating or improving a documented illness, injury, or condition that is currently limiting your ability to carry out activities of daily living.

Some common examples of conditions and circumstances where Medicare covers physical therapy include:

Injuries Requiring Rehabilitation

• Fractures, such as a broken hip after a fall, need physical therapy to help regain mobility and function.
• Joint dislocations such as a separated shoulder. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles and ligaments to stabilize the joint.
• Sprains like a sprained knee or ankle. Hands-on therapy facilitates the healing process.
• Burns that cause skin and tissue damage. Physical therapy preserves the range of motion and prevents contractions.

Recovery After Surgery

• Joint replacement surgery for hips or knees. Physical therapy is critical for regaining strength and movement.
• Heart surgery such as bypass or valve replacement. Carefully monitored physical therapy helps cardiac rehabilitation.
• Back surgery for conditions like spinal stenosis or slipped discs. Physical therapy improves mobility and reduces the risk of re-injury.

Chronic Medical Conditions

• Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Physical therapy provides pain relief and improves the ability to move.
• Parkinson’s disease which leads to mobility impairments, rigidity, and balance issues. Physical therapy aims to maintain independence.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) where therapy helps manage symptoms like fatigue, numbness, and walking problems.
• Pulmonary conditions like COPD where physical therapy helps clear mucus and improve breathing.

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke recovery by retraining affected limbs and building endurance.
• Traumatic brain injury to regain cognitive and motor skills through repetitive physical therapy exercises.
• Spinal cord injury which can leave limbs paralyzed. Physical therapy prevents atrophy and contractures.

Other Conditions

• Back pain and injuries like herniated discs that limit mobility.
• Fibromyalgia which causes musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapy provides pain relief.
• Vertigo or dizziness by performing vestibular rehabilitation exercises.

💡Also read, How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost?

What Physical Therapy Services and Settings Does Medicare Cover?

If physical therapy is deemed medically necessary for your condition, Medicare Part B covers a wide range of rehabilitative services in various in-person settings:

• Services covered: Therapeutic exercises, mobility, and gait training, manual therapy techniques, physical modalities, ADL retraining, balance and fall prevention exercises, and patient education on home programs.
• Settings covered: Hospital outpatient departments, therapist private practices, skilled nursing facilities, comprehensive outpatient rehab facilities, and in a doctor’s office if provided by a therapist employed or contracted by the physician.
• Inpatient coverage: Physical therapy you receive during a covered hospital stay.
• Home health coverage: Home-based physical therapy if you are homebound and require intermittent skilled care.

Occupational and speech therapy may also be included in skilled therapy plans.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover for Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy can be vital for recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, and maintaining independence. However, navigating Medicare coverage can be confusing. Let’s break down what Part B covers for physical therapy costs:

What’s Covered in Medicare B

• Outpatient therapy: Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient physical therapy, as long as it’s deemed medically necessary by your doctor.
• Services: This includes therapeutic exercises, gait training, manual therapy, modalities like electrical stimulation, and more.
• Settings: You can receive covered therapy at hospital outpatient departments, therapist offices, skilled nursing facilities, and even in your doctor’s office if the therapist works for the physician.
• Home health: If you’re homebound and require intermittent skilled care, Medicare may cover home-based physical therapy as part of your home health benefits.

What You Pay

• Deductible: Before Medicare starts covering services, you’ll need to pay the annual Part B deductible. In 2024, it’s $230.
• Coinsurance: After meeting the deductible, you’ll pay a 20% coinsurance for each therapy session. The average cost per visit is around $60, so your coinsurance would be around $12.
• Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs: Some providers may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you responsible for the difference.

Things to Remember

• No Annual or Lifetime Limits: Unlike some Medicare Advantage plans, Original Medicare Part B doesn’t have any annual or lifetime limits on the number of covered physical therapy visits as long as it’s medically necessary.
• Compare to Medicare Advantage: Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer lower copays or coinsurance for physical therapy than Original Medicare. Be sure to compare your options.
• Prior Authorization: Some Medicare Advantage plans may require prior authorization before starting physical therapy. Check with your plan to avoid delays.

Remember, physical therapy can be crucial for maintaining independence and well-being. Understanding your Medicare coverage can help you access the care you need without breaking the bank.

How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Physical Therapy?

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage and costs for physical therapy depend on your specific plan’s policies. Key questions to ask your Medicare Advantage plan provider:

• Is prior authorization required before you can start physical therapy treatment? The plan may require a doctor’s order and treatment plan submitted in advance.
• Are there any limits or caps on the number of physical therapy visits covered per year? Original Medicare does not limit sessions, but Advantage plans can implement visit limits.
• What are the in-network copayments or coinsurance rates you’ll pay per physical therapy visit? Plans often charge fixed copays like $20 or $30 per session in-network.
• What is covered for out-of-network physical therapy? Costs are usually higher and coverage is more limited out-of-network.
• Does your provider network include your desired physical therapy office or facility? Check ahead of time to use in-network benefits.
• Are any additional physical therapy benefits covered that Original Medicare does not? For instance, some plans include chiropractic or acupuncture.

Always refer to your Evidence of Coverage document from your Medicare Advantage insurer. Plan coverage of physical therapy can change from year to year at open enrollment. Contact customer service with specific questions.

When Is Prior Authorization Required?

For Medicare Part B, prior authorization is generally not required. However, Medicare Advantage plans may require your provider to submit documentation and get approval before covering therapy visits.

This process ensures treatment meets medical necessity guidelines. Your therapist may outline the treatment plan, goals, and expected duration.

If denied, you can file an appeal but this can delay your start of treatment. Discuss the process before your initial evaluation.

Does Medicare cover Physical Therapy from Out-of-Network providers?

Under Original Medicare, you can visit any Medicare-enrolled physical therapy provider nationwide that accepts Medicare assignment. Medicare will cover its share of costs at 80% whether the provider is in or out of your plan’s preferred network, as long as therapy is deemed medically necessary.

However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will generally pay higher out-of-pocket costs for seeing an out-of-network physical therapist. Some plans do not cover out-of-network physical therapy at all except in emergencies when away from home. Others charge higher coinsurance or copays for going outside the network.

Before scheduling physical therapy, always verify with both your Medicare Advantage plan and the provider.

What If Medicare Won’t Cover My Physical Therapy?

If Medicare denies coverage because your physical therapy does not meet medical necessity guidelines, you have some options:

• Appeal the decision by providing additional documentation.
• Change goals to focus on maintenance rather than restoration.
• Check with supplemental insurers who may cover some costs.
• Ask your provider about discounted cash rates.
• Use community health clinics that provide care on an income-based sliding scale.
• Apply for charity care assistance through organizations.
• Consider crowdfunding to raise funds.
• Medicare’s preventive care may help avoid injuries requiring future physical therapy.

Discontinuing necessary physical therapy may result in higher costs and risks if your condition worsens. Carefully weigh the options to find an affordable solution.

Getting the Most From Your Benefits

To use your physical therapy benefits effectively:

• Discuss Medicare’s coverage limits with your doctor.
• Get therapy referrals early to begin promptly after injury or surgery.
• Clarify billing practices and authorization requirements upfront.
• Transition to cost-effective wellness programs once your condition plateaus.
• Use online tools to estimate copayments and budget appropriately.
• Take advantage of Medicare’s preventive care benefits.

Knowing your coverage details allows you to access the physical therapy you need. With proper planning, many Medicare beneficiaries can recover faster, manage chronic conditions, and maintain independence.