Health Care Law Blog

HHS Changes Policy, Expands Coverage for Physical Therapy

The New York Times (We have identified that the following link is no longer active, and it has been removed) recently reported that the Health and Human Services Department ("HHS") is changing its stance regarding Medicare payments for physical and occupational therapy treatments.  Previously, coverage was only afforded for treatment that actually helped to improve a patient's condition.

Following settlement of a 2013 lawsuit against the secretary of HHS, the new policy states that treatment will be covered if it is needed to help prevent or delay worsening of a patient's condition.

This is good news for physical therapy providers who often were denied reimbursement for services provided to patients who were not viewed as “improving.” Going forward, it appears as if Medicare will pay for additional services that it would have previously denied under prior policy.   If you have any questions regarding these issues please call Nicole Stratton (517.371.8140) or Gil Frimet (248.538.6353).

Categories: Medicare/Medicaid

Posted by: Tyler Olney, Summer Associate