On June 17, 2025, Aetna allowed direct access for physical therapy (PT) services. Aetna removed the requirement of a physician order for PT. Aetna also removed the requirement that a physician must sign the PT plan of care. Unfortunately, Aetna did not do the same for occupational therapy (OT) in June 2025. So, in 2026, what does Aetna require for outpatient OT services? Effective

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided updated guidance regarding the use of a physician referral as the initial certification. To access this updated guidance, click

There is confusion as to whether or not a physician order can serve as the initial plan of care for an original Medicare beneficiary receiving outpatient therapy. In this article, I will answer the following questions:

In this article, I will answer the following questions regarding the Medicare program and direct access for outpatient therapy services:

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:

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has once again revised their Habilitation and Rehabilitation Therapy (Occupational, Physical and Speech) revised medical policy with an effective date of August 1, 2023. The revised policy impacts all UHC Commercial plans and UHC Oxford. The only revision to this revised policy compared to the July 1, 2023 revision is UHC has

One of the more frequent questions I receive has to do with how long is an order valid for from the time it is written, signed and dated by the physician. In this article, I will answer the following questions:

There is a myth that the Medicare program requires a physician order that will then allow the Medicare beneficiary to begin and/or continue outpatient physical, occupational and/or speech therapy services. Why do I say this is a myth? Lets find out. QuestionDoes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require a physician order for outpatient therapy? Answer QuestionWhy might it be beneficial for a Medicare beneficiary to have an order prior to beginning outpatient physical, occupational and/or speech therapy services? Answer QuestionIs there another reason an order might be beneficial for a Medicare beneficiary to have an order prior