Next Event: 2026 CPT Coding and Billing for Physical and Occupational Therapy
Date: January 15,2026
UnitedHealthcare Optum Healthcare Solutions to Require Prior Authorization
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Optum Healthcare Solutions will begin to require prior authorization for follow-up outpatient therapy visits for certain plans. In this article, I will answer the following questions:
UnitedHealthcare and OptumHealth Care Solutions Therapy Policies
I receive many questions regarding how to locate outpatient therapy policies for UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and OptumHealth Care Solutions (Optum). In this article, I will provide links to the most common outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy policies for UHC and Optum. UHC Reimbursement Policies for Outpatient Therapy Services Optum Reimbursement Policies for Outpatient Therapy Services I hope you found this article helpful and you utilize all of the outpatient therapy policies in this article. Thank you for being a Gold Member!
UnitedHealthcare and Optum Physical Health
Physical therapy and/or occupational therapy visits performed by care providers contracted by Optum Physical Health require prior authorization, which includes the plan member’s initial evaluation. In addition, Optum Physical Health has specific clinical and reimbursement policies pertaining to outpatient therapy services that contracted providers must be aware of and adhere to. To access Optum Physical Healths’ clinical and reimbursement policies as they pertain to outpatient therapy services, click I hope you found this information helpful. Thank you for being a Gold Member!
Humana Resumes Prior Authorization for Outpatient Therapy
On December 18, 2017, Humana announced they would no longer require preauthorization for outpatient physical, speech and occupational therapy services for patients with commercial and Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. Effective with dates of service on and after I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Thank you for being a Gold Member!