Next Event: 2026 Documentation for Evaluations and Reevaluations for PT, OT, and SLP
Date: March 19,2026
Aetna Announces Major Change for Physical Therapy Services
Aetna has announced 2 major changes that have a significant impact on outpatient physical therapy services. In this article, I will answer the following questions:
Does the Medicare Program Recognize Direct Access?
In this article, I will answer the following questions regarding the Medicare program and direct access for outpatient therapy services:
Does Medicare Recognize Direct Access for Outpatient Therapy?
Lately, I have been receiving questions regarding the Medicare program and does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognize and pay for direct access for outpatient therapy services. In this article, I will answer the following questions:
Texas Physical Therapists Get Direct Access
On May 23, 2019, House Bill (HB) 29 passed the Texas Senate and on June 14, 2019, Governor signed the bill into law. HB 29 will provide Texas residents the ability to have Direct Access for physical therapy services with an effective date of September 1, 2019. Highlights of HB 29 and Direct Access include: A physical therapist may treat a patient for an injury or condition in a manner described by Section 453.005 without a referral if the physical therapist: