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Physical and Occupational Therapy Services
Effective June 7, 2017
Clinical guidelines for medical necessity review of physical and
occupational therapy services. © 2017 eviCore healthcare. All
rights reserved.
CLINICAL GUIDELINES
CareCore National, LLC d/b/a eviCore healthcare (eviCore)
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Please note the following: CPT Copyright 2016 American Medical
Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of
the American Medical Association.
Musculoskeletal Benefit Management: Physical and Occupational
Therapy Services V1.1.2017
© 2017 eviCore healthcare. All rights reserved. 400 Buckwalter
Place Boulevard, Bluffton, SC 29910 • (800) 918-8924
www.eviCore.com
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Dear Provider, This document provides detailed descriptions of
eviCore’s basic criteria for musculoskeletal management services.
They have been carefully researched and are continually updated in
order to be consistent with the most current evidence-based
guidelines and recommendations for the provision of musculoskeletal
management services from national and international medical
societies and evidence-based medicine research centers. In
addition, the criteria are supplemented by information published in
peer reviewed literature. Our health plan clients review the
development and application of these criteria. Every eviCore health
plan client develops a unique list of CPT codes or diagnoses that
are part of their musculoskeletal management program. Health Plan
medical policy supersedes the eviCore criteria when there is
conflict with the eviCore criteria and the health plan medical
policy. If you are unsure of whether or not a specific health plan
has made modifications to these basic criteria in their medical
policy for musculoskeletal management services, please contact the
plan or access the plan’s website for additional information.
eviCore healthcare works hard to make your clinical review
experience a pleasant one. For that reason, we have peer reviewers
available to assist you should you have specific questions about a
procedure. For your convenience, eviCore Customer Service support
is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Our toll free number is (800)
918-8924. Gregg P Allen, M.D. FAAFP EVP and Chief Medical
Officer
Musculoskeletal Benefit Management: Physical and Occupational
Therapy Services V1.1.2017
© 2017 eviCore healthcare. All rights reserved. 400 Buckwalter
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Table of Contents Policy Page Physical Therapy Policy
...............................................................................................
6 Occupational Therapy Policy
.....................................................................................
17 General Medical Rehabilitation
..................................................................................
28
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
.......................................................................
28 Pelvic Pain Syndrome
................................................................................................
38 Rheumatoid Arthritis Hip, Knee, Foot, Ankle, Shoulder & Hand
................................ 51 Urinary Incontinence
..................................................................................................
62
Neurological Rehabilitation
........................................................................................
75 Acquired Brain Injury
.................................................................................................
75 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
............................................................... 91
Impaired
Mobility......................................................................................................
102 Spinal Cord Injury
....................................................................................................
116
Orthopedic – Cervical Disc-Radicular
.....................................................................
135 Cervical, Brachial Neuritis or Radiculitis
..................................................................
135 Cervical, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
...................................................................
148 Cervical, Post-Surgical Syndrome
...........................................................................
160 Stenosis – Cervical / Thoracic Spine
.......................................................................
172
Orthopedic – Non Specific
.......................................................................................
184 Head, Neck and Upper Back Dysfunction
................................................................
184
Orthopedic – General
................................................................................................
204 Compartment Syndrome
..........................................................................................
204 Musculoskeletal Disorders
.......................................................................................
215 Myofascial Pain Syndrome
......................................................................................
230 Myositis Ossificans
..................................................................................................
240 Osteitis Pubis
...........................................................................................................
250 Osteoporosis
...........................................................................................................
260 Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
....................................................................
271
Orthopedic – Knee
....................................................................................................
282 Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction, Knee
......................................... 282 Knee Pain and
Dysfunction
.....................................................................................
293 Knee, Tear, Lateral or Medial Meniscus
..................................................................
308 Tibial Plateau Fractures with ORIF
..........................................................................
320 Total Knee Arthroplasty, Osteoarthritis Knee
........................................................... 331
Orthopedic – Lower Extremity
.................................................................................
343 Ankle/Foot Pain
.......................................................................................................
343 Ankle Ligament, Reconstruction, and Repair
........................................................... 358
Ankle Tendon Repair
...............................................................................................
369 Calcaneus Fracture
.................................................................................................
380 Femoral Shaft Fracture, with ORIF
..........................................................................
391 Hallux Rigidus, Pre- and Post-Surgical
....................................................................
402 Hip Fracture, Closed, With or Without ORIF
............................................................ 413
Hip Pain and Dysfunction
........................................................................................
424 Hip Total Replacement
............................................................................................
436
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Lower Extremity, Amputation with Subsequent Prosthesis, AKA
& BKA ................. 446 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome With and
Without a Release ............................................ 457
Tarsal/Metatarsal Fracture, Post-Cast Removal or ORIF
........................................ 469 Tibia Fracture,
Post-ORIF
........................................................................................
481 Tri-malleolar, Fracture, Post-Cast Removal
.............................................................
491
Orthopedic – Lumbosacral Disc-Radicular
............................................................. 502
Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
.....................................................................
502 Lumbar Post Surgery Syndrome
.............................................................................
514 Lumbar Radiculopathy and Sciatica
........................................................................
527 Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
...........................................................................................
538
Orthopedic – Lumbrosacral Non Specific
............................................................... 550
Back Pain and Dysfunction
......................................................................................
550
Orthopedic – Shoulder
..............................................................................................
573 Arthroscopic Procedure of the Shoulder
..................................................................
573 Rotator Cuff Tear Repair, With and Without Distal Clavicle
Resection .................... 583 Shoulder Impingement,
Release..............................................................................
594 Shoulder Pain and Dysfunction
...............................................................................
605 Shoulder Total Joint Replacement
...........................................................................
624
Orthopedic – Upper Extremity
.................................................................................
635 Carpal Fracture, Closed and Open, Post-Cast Removal
......................................... 635 Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome With and Without
Release............................................... 645 Cubital
Tunnel, Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
.................................................................
657 Dupuytren’s Contracture, Post-Release
..................................................................
668 Elbow Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
.............................................................. 680
Elbow Dislocation
....................................................................................................
690 Elbow Fracture, Closed, Post-Cast Removal
........................................................... 701
Elbow Fracture, with ORIF
.......................................................................................
711 Elbow Radial Nerve Entrapment, With and Without Surgical
Release .................... 721 Elbow Sprain/Strain
.................................................................................................
733 Elbow Ulnar Nerve Transposition
............................................................................
744 Hand, Trigger Finger, With and Without Release
.................................................... 754 Lateral
Epicondylitis With and Without Fascial Release
.......................................... 766 Medial Epicondylitis
.................................................................................................
779 Olecranon Bursitis
...................................................................................................
791 Phalanges Post ORIF, Post Cast Removal, Navicular, Metacarpal
......................... 801 Proximal Humeral Fracture, Open,
Post-ORIF ........................................................
811 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
.......................................................................................
822 Wrist Fracture, Distal Radius or Ulna (Post-ORIF)
.................................................. 834 Wrist
Tenosynovitis, Radial Styloid or de
Quervain’s............................................... 845
Wrist, Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, Post-op Release
................................................... 856
Pediatric
.....................................................................................................................
866 Autism Spectrum Disorder
.......................................................................................
866 Congenital Muscular Torticollis
................................................................................
886 Neuromuscular Disorders
........................................................................................
896
Maximal Complex Motion Necessary for Functional Activities
............................. 913 Diagnosis Codes
.......................................................................................................
918
Musculoskeletal Benefit Management: Physical and Occupational
Therapy Services V1.1.2017
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Physical Therapy Policy Subject: Physical Therapy
Description: Physical therapy (PT) is the treatment of the
complications and sequelae of a disease, or injury by the use of
therapeutic exercise and other treatment modalities, that focus on
improving posture, locomotion, strength, endurance, balance,
coordination, joint mobility, flexibility, an individual's ability
to go through the functional activities of daily living (ADL), and
on reducing pain. Treatment may include active and passive
modalities using a variety of means and techniques, based upon
biomechanical and neurophysiologic principles.
Medically Necessary Services To be considered reasonable and
necessary the following conditions must each be met:
Services are for the treatment of a covered injury, illness or
disease, and are appropriate treatment for the condition
Treatments are expected to result in significant, functional
improvement in a reasonable and generally predictable period of
time, or are necessary for the establishment of a safe and
effective maintenance program. Treatment should be directed toward
restoration or compensation for lost function. The improvement
potential must be significant in relation to the extent and
duration of the therapy required
The services must be currently accepted standards of medical
practice, and be specific and effective treatments for the
patient’s existing condition
The complexity of the therapy and the patient’s condition must
require the judgment and knowledge of a licensed qualified
clinician practicing within the scope of practice for that service.
Services that do not require the performance or supervision of a
qualified clinician are not skilled and are not considered
reasonable or necessary therapy services, even if they are
performed or supervised by a qualified professional.
The amount, frequency, and duration of the services must be
reasonable under accepted standards of practice.
Services shall be of such a level of complexity and
sophistication or the condition of the patient shall be such that
the services required can be safely and effectively performed only
by a therapist, or in the case of physical therapy and occupational
therapy by or under the supervision of a therapist. Services that
do not require the performance or supervision of a therapist are
not skilled and are not considered reasonable or necessary therapy
services, even if they are performed or supervised by a qualified
professional.
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For these purposes, “generally acceptable standards of practice”
means standards that are based on credible scientific evidence
published in the peer-reviewed literature generally recognized by
the relevant healthcare community, specialty society evidence-based
guidelines or recommendation, or expert clinical consensus in the
relevant clinical areas.
Coverage Criteria for Providers Several provider specialties
utilize various approaches to achieve therapeutic benefit in the
treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapy
services are provided according to the members’ benefit
certificates and the health plan’s medical policies. For example,
physical therapy must be provided by physical therapists (PT) or
physical therapist assistants (PTA). Services billed “incident to”
by MDs/DOs/DPMs must meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) “incident to” guidelines for physical therapy and
must be rendered by “qualified providers” as defined by CMS. This
means that MDs/DOs/DPMs may only bill physical therapy services as
“incident to” if provided by an MD, DO, DPM, PA, ARNP, PT and a PTA
under supervision of a PT.
Services Not Covered Physical Therapy services will not be
covered when provided by athletic trainers, and other providers not
recognized by the Health Plan.
Care Classifications
Therapeutic Care Therapeutic care is care provided to relieve
the functional loss associated with an injury or condition and is
necessary to return the patient to the functioning level required
to perform their activities of daily living, instrumental
activities of daily living and work activities. Therapeutic care
generally occurs within a reasonable period of time and is guided
by evidence based practice of physical therapy.
Acute Care Acute care is care of an injury or condition
characterized by short and relatively severe symptom complex,
generally up to the first month following onset of injury. The
condition may be induced by either traumatic or non-traumatic
factors and may consist of a new condition or an exacerbation of an
existing one. Need for care is proportional to the severity of the
signs and symptoms of the particular case, modified by the status
of healing tissues. The therapeutic goals of acute care are patient
education in the recovery/healing process, reduction of symptoms
and minimization of functional loss, in preparation for resolution
of the injury or condition. Means and methods include a combination
of direct care and a home management program to progress towards
recovery of function.
Subacute Care Subacute care is care of an injury or condition
characterized by a less severe symptom complex and intermediate
course. Typically, it follows an acute injury or exacerbation,
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and can extend up to three months from onset. Subacute care is
characterized by a combination of direct care and home management
consisting of exercise, symptom management, patient education, and
an emphasis on compliance. The therapeutic goal of this phase is to
improve functional status by increasing existing range of motion
and muscle strength and reducing signs and symptoms associated with
the condition or injury. Means and methods include progression of
exercise, instruction in self-care, and monitoring patient
compliance and motivation. Intensity of care is guided by the
condition of healing tissue structures, generally including therapy
visits supplemented by a home management program.
Corrective or Rehabilitative Care Corrective or rehabilitative
care is the stage of ongoing care beyond the sub-acute phase.T his
phase of care may last up to 6 month from onset. It may also refer
to treatment of conditions that are chronic in nature and do not
occur in conjunction with an acute or subacute phase. The
therapeutic goals of this phase are reduction and management of
symptoms with a goal of maximizing function over time. Means and
methods include progression of exercise, continued patient
education, and transition to self-management. Intensity of care is
guided by functional status, focusing on home management,
supplemented by therapy visits.
Supportive Care Supportive care is that phase of care that
occurs following the corrective or rehabilitative phase. The
supportive care phase may last up to 12 months from onset. It may
apply to chronic conditions or very severe injuries. Treatment is
directed towards management of ongoing, unresolved symptoms that
may or may not impact functional status. The therapeutic goal of
this phase is patient/caregiver education, self-management, and to
prevent deterioration of physical or functional status. Means and
methods include progression of exercise and continued patient
education. Intensity of care is minimal. This is often not covered
by the health plan’s benefit.
Palliative Care (Noncovered Service) Palliative care is
typically given to alleviate symptoms and does not provide
corrective benefit to the condition treated. A patient receiving
palliative care, in most instances, demonstrates varying lapses
between treatments. If an exacerbation of a condition occurs, care
becomes therapeutic rather than palliative, and documentation of
the necessity for care (e.g., etiology of exacerbation, objective
findings, and desired outcomes) must be obtained.
Skilled Maintenance Care Maintenance care is defined as services
required to maintain the member’s current condition or to prevent
or slow deterioration of the member’s condition. (Chapter 15,
Section 220.2 Subsection D of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual)
Skilled maintenance care for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees is
covered if the specialized skill, knowledge and judgment of a
qualified therapist are required:
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To establish or design a maintenance program appropriate to the
capacity and
tolerance of the member To educate/instruct the member or
appropriate caregiver regarding the
maintenance program For periodic re-evaluations of the
maintenance program When skilled services are required in order to
provide reasonable and necessary
care to prevent or slow further deterioration, coverage will not
be denied based on the absence of potential for improvement or
restoration as long as skilled care is required.
Skilled Maintenance Programs in an Outpatient and Home Health
setting will not be covered if furnished by a Physical Therapist
Assistant. (Chapter 15, Section 220.2 Subsection D of the Medicare
Benefit Policy Manual) Preventive Care Examinations (Non covered
Service) Preventive care includes management of the asymptomatic
patient. Preventive care examinations may include pre-participation
athletic examination. Habilitation: Physical, occupational and
speech therapy services provided in order for a person to attain
and maintain a skill or function for daily living, that was never
learned or acquired and is due to a disabling condition such as
developmental delay, developmental disability, developmental speech
or language disorder, developmental coordination disorder and mixed
developmental disorder.
Condition Severity Classifications Severity is classified as
mild, moderate and severe conditions. Severity is determined by
several factors including, but not limited to, mode of onset,
duration of care, loss of work days, and functional deficits.
Conditions Severity Criteria Table Criteria Mild
Condition Moderate Condition
Severe Condition
Mode of onset Variable Variable Severe Anticipated duration of
care 1-6 weeks 6-10 weeks 10 or more weeks Loss of work days No
loss of
work days 0-4 days of work lost
5 or more days of work lost
Work restriction None Possible, depends on occupation; 0-2
weeks
Restriction, depending on occupation; 2 or more weeks
Functional deficits: 1. Range of motion
Mild/no loss
Mild to moderate loss
Considerable loss
2. Muscle Strength Mild/no loss Mild to moderate loss
Considerable loss
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3. Neurologic findings None May be present May be present 4.
BADL (Basic daily function such as walking in the home, bathing,
dressing, grooming, feeding, positioning, and elimination)
Mild/no loss Mild to moderate Moderate to severe
Criteria/Guidelines for Provision of Physical Therapy
Indications for Coverage 1. Contract limitations for physical
therapy services will determine the available benefit
if such therapy is determined to be medically necessary. 2.
Physical therapy services must be ordered by a physician (exception
in direct-
access states). Each member should be provided with a treatment
plan at their start of care
describing appropriate treatment modalities and exercises. The
member’s treatment plan must contain objective data, reasonable
expectations, and measurable goals for a specific diagnosis.
Re-assessments of member progress should be undertaken as part of
every
ongoing PT session; assessments of this nature should be
included in the treatment session and should not be performed in a
separate treatment session.
The assessment is a part of ongoing care and should occur
throughout each treatment session so that therapy continues to be
patient- focused to meet the changing needs of the member.
A formal reassessment with objective measures and updated goals
should occur at least every 30 days.
Lack of measureable and significant change at reassessments
should result in a change in the program or discharge to a home
management program.
3. Physical therapy services are reviewed and evaluated by
CareCore National periodically during a member’s episode of care
based on the provider’s utilization management tier assignment. At
each review, the clinical reviewer will evaluate the key objective
and subjective
measures of the member’s clinical status, with a focused review
on function using a standardized assessment tool.
This information, in the context of the generally accepted
natural history of the condition(s) under care, will be used to
determine the medical necessity of the care provided to date,
and/or the care that is proposed.
Refer to the Evidence-based Guidelines, Patient History and
Presentation for information on specific conditions.
Reasonable and Necessary Services Physical therapy (PT) services
are considered medically necessary when all of the following
criteria are met: 1. Therapy requires the judgment, knowledge and
skills of a qualified provider of
physical therapy services due to the complexity and
sophistication of the therapy and the physical condition of the
patient.
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A qualified provider of physical therapy services is one who is
licensed where required and performs within the scope of
licensure.
Services provided by PT aides or other non-qualified
professionals are not covered.
2. PT services meet the functional needs of the member who
suffers from a physical impairment due to illness, disease, or
injury and are appropriate treatment for the condition. The patient
must have functional deficits that interfere with Activities of
Daily Living or return to work (see definitions at the end of
policy) Refer to the Evidence-based Guidelines, Admission Criteria,
for information on
specific functional losses for specific conditions. 3. PT
services achieve a specific diagnosis-related goal for a member,
who has a
reasonable expectation of achieving measurable improvement, in a
reasonable and predictable period of time. Significant is defined
as a measureable and meaningful increase (as
documented in the patient’s record) in the patient’s level of
physical and functional abilities that can be attained with
short-term therapy, usually within a two month period.
Refer to the Evidence-based Guidelines for expected functional
recovery for specific conditions.
4. PT services inherently include the introduction and provision
of, and education about a home (self) management program,
appropriate for the condition(s) under treatment. In keeping with
professional standards, this home management program should be
introduced into the course of treatment at the earliest appropriate
time; (This may also be applicable to parents, guardians, or
caregivers of pediatric patients and adult patients needing
assistance.)
5. PT services provide specific, effective, and reasonable
treatment for the member’s diagnosis and physical condition. Refer
to the Evidence-based Guidelines for a review of specific
conditions and their course of recovery.
6. PT services must be described using standard and generally
accepted medical/physical therapy/rehabilitation terminology. Such
terminology includes objective measurements for ranges of motion,
motor ability, and levels of function. Standardized tests for
strength, motion, and function are required. Examples of
validated tests include the Oswestry, DASH, TUG, LEFS, etc.
Standardized subjective measurements for pain are also
expected;
7. Services do not duplicate those provided concurrently by any
other therapy, particularly occupational therapy. When a patient
receives both occupational and physical or speech therapy, the
therapies should provide different interventions and not duplicate
the same treatment.T hey must have separate treatment plans and
goals with treatment occurring in separate treatment sessions and
visits.
Rehabilitative Physical Therapy Services Are Generally Not
Considered Medically Necessary Under the Following Circumstances 1.
Training in nonessential self-help, recreational tasks, or athletic
performance.
Therapeutic care is care provided to relieve the functional loss
associated with an injury or condition and is necessary to return
the patient to the functioning level required to perform their
activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily
living
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Therapy Services V1.1.2017
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and work activities. Therapeutic care generally occurs within a
reasonable period of time and is guided by evidence based practice
of physical therapy.
2. Maintenance care when palliative procedures are performed
that are repetitive or to reinforce previously learned skills or
when services performed are related to activities for the good and
welfare of member such as a fitness program.
3. Passive modalities that extend beyond the acute phase of
recovery. Non-skilled routine, repetitive and reinforced procedures
that do not require one-
to-one intervention such as stationary bike riding, progressive
resistive exercise after instruction, and passive range of
motion.
4. Group exercise/ therapy programs defined as the simultaneous
treatment of two or more patients who may or may not be doing the
same activities is not a covered benefit.
5. Massage therapy when provided as a stand-alone procedure
rather than as part of a comprehensive therapeutic treatment
plan
Discharge Criteria Criteria utilized for determining whether a
member is eligible for discharge from PT is determined based on the
following (objective data) and is available in the Evidence-based
Guidelines under Discharge Criteria:
Normative functional range of motion (ROM) for the injured or
impaired body part(s). (Examples of these values can be found in
Measurement of Joint Motion, a Guide to Goniometry, 3rd Edition,
2003 by Norkin and White as well as other texts and are referenced
in the Evidence-based Guidelines.)
1. Satisfactory motor ability of the impaired or injured part(s)
such that further improvement can be accomplished with a
self-management program. Refer to the Evidence-based Guidelines,
Home and Self-Care Techniques.
2. The member is able to perform activities of daily living
(ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS).
3. When there is no documented continual progression of function
or improvement over the course of treatment, or a negative trend
occurs.
4. Member non-compliance with therapy. 5. Physical therapy
services are not considered medically necessary for pain
mediation
alone.T he goals of PT are for improvement in restoration of
function, motor ability, and range of motion as indicated
previously.
Definitions:
Skilled Care: The member’s special medical complications require
the skills of a therapist to
perform a therapy service or the needed therapy services are of
such complexity that the skills of a therapist are required to
perform the procedure.
Unskilled Care: Unskilled services are palliative procedures
that are repetitive or reinforce
previously learned skills
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They are not covered because they do not involve complex and
sophisticated therapy procedures, or require the judgment and skill
of a qualified therapist for safety and effectiveness.
Services related to activities for the good and welfare of
patient do not constitute PT/OT services for Medicare and Medicaid
purposes (e.g., general exercises to promote overall fitness and
flexibility and activities to provide diversion or general
motivation).
Services not provided under a therapy plan of care, or are
provided by staff not qualified or appropriately supervised, are
not covered or payable therapy services. a. Activities of Daily
Living (ADL): Activities in which most people take part on a
daily basis. Eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and moving
from one place to another are some examples.
b. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living:A ctivities that are
often performed by a person who is living independently in a
community setting during the course of a normal day, such as
managing money, shopping, telephone use, travel in the community,
housekeeping, preparing meals, and taking medications correctly.
IADLs measure a person’s ability to live independently.
Medicare References 1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS), Medicare Benefit Policy Manual-
Pub. 100-2: Chapter 15, Section 220, Covered Medical and Other
Health Services, Conditions of Coverage and Payment Outpatient
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech-Language
Pathology Services.
http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdf
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare
Benefit Policy Manual-Pub. 100-2: Chapter 15, Section 230, Covered
Medical and Other Health Services, Practice of Physical Therapy,
Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology.
http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdf
3. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Diathermy Treatment
(150.5).
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&.
4. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Neuromuscular
Electrical Stimulaton (NMES) (160.12).
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
5. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Electrotherapy for
Treatment of Facial Nerve Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) (160.15)
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
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http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
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6. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Heat Treatment,
Including the Use of Diathermy and Ultra-Sound for Pulmonary
Conditions (240.3).
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
7. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Infrared Therapy
Devices (270.6)
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
8. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Medicine: Physical
Therapy-Outpatient (L34310). Cahaba Government Benefit
Administrators®.,Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34310&ver=11&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34310&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
9. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Medicine: Physical
Therapy- Outpatient (L34308) Cahaba Government Benefit
Administrators®.,Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34308&ver=14&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34308&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
10. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Outpatient Physical
and Occupational Therapy Services (L34049) CGS Administrators,
LLC., Kentucky, Ohio
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34049&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34049&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
11. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Outpatient Physical
and Occupational Therapy Services (L33631) National Government
Services, Inc. Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont,
Wisconsin
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33631&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33631&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
12. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Therapy and
Rehabilitation Services (L33413) First Coast Service Options, Inc.
Florida
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33413&ver=19&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33413&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
13. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Therapy and
Rehabilitation Services (L35036) Novitas Solutions, Inc. Arkansas,
Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35036&ver=64&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L35036&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
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http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34310&ver=11&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34310&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34310&ver=11&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34310&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34310&ver=11&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34310&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34308&ver=14&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34308&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34308&ver=14&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34308&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34308&ver=14&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34308&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34049&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34049&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34049&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34049&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34049&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34049&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33631&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33631&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33631&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33631&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33631&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33631&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33631&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33631&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33413&ver=19&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33413&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33413&ver=19&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33413&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33413&ver=19&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33413&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33413&ver=19&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33413&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35036&ver=64&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L35036&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35036&ver=64&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L35036&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35036&ver=64&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L35036&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35036&ver=64&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L35036&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
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References 14. ACOEM Practice Guidelines, American College of
Occupational and Environmental
Medicine, 2011 15. APTA, Defining Skilled Maintenance Therapy
and Minimizing Denials, April, 2014. 16. Bischel, Margaret D., ‘The
Managed Physical/Occupational Therapy and
Rehabilitation Care Manual’ (Apollo Managed Care Consultants,
2002) 17. Braddom R. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2nd
Ed. Saunders, 2000 18. De Carlos MS, Sell KE,T he effects of the
number and frequency of Physical
Therapy treatment on selected outcomes of treatment in patients
with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, J Orthop Sports
Phys Ther. 1997, 26 (6): 332-9.
19. Dutton, Mark, Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, &
Intervention, McGraw-Hill Medial Publishing Division, 2004
20. Gerhardt J, Cocchaiarella L, and Lea R. The Practical Guide
to Range of Motion Assessment American Medical Association,
2002
21. Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Interactive Guide to
Physical Therapist Practice, Version 1.0
22. Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th
Edition (and 5th Edition) AMA Press, 1995
23. Hoppenfeld S, and Murthy V. Treatment & Rehabilitation
of Fractures. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000
24. Jette D, Bacon K, Batty C, et al. Evidence-based practice:
Belief, attitudes, knowledge and behaviors of physical therapists.
2003;83(9):86-805
25. Jette AM, Smith K, Haley SM, Davis KD, Physical therapy
episodes of care for patients with low back pain. Phys Ther. 1994
Feb;74(2):101-10; discussion 110-5
26. Maxey L and Magnusson J. Rehabilitation for the Postsurgical
Orthopedic Patient Mosby, 2001
27. Medicare Part B Reference Manual. October 2001, Revision 050
28. Mitchell, Jean M. and Lissovoy, Gregory de. “A Comparison of
Resource Use and
Cost in Direct Access Versus Physician Referral Episodes of
Physical Therapy.”P hysical Therapy, Volume 77, No. 1, 1997
29. Myerson M. Foot and Ankle Disorders Saunders, 2000 30. New
Jersey Autism and Developmental Disabilities mandate. # A-2238.
Effective
02/8/21010 31. Nordeman L Et Al, Early access to physical
therapy treatment for subacute low back
pain in PRIMARY Health Care:A prospective randomized clinical
trial, Clinical Journal of Pain, 2006, 22 (6)_505-511
32. Philadelphia Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
Guidelines on Selected Rehabilitation Interventions: Overview and
Methodology, PT Journal (2001) 81 (10): 1629-1640
33. Philadelphia Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice
Guidelines on Selected Rehabilitation Interventions for Shoulder
Pain; PT Journal, Oct 1, 2001, 81: 1719-1730
34. Schenck R (ed). Athletic Training and Sports Medicine (3rd
Ed). American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 1999. American
Association of Orthopedic Specialties
35. Snider, R (ed). Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care. American
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Academy of Pediatrics,
1997
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36. Swinkels IC, Wimmers RH, Groenewegen PP, van den Bosch WJ,
Dekker J, van den Ende CH. What factors explain the number of
physical therapy treatment sessions in patients referred with low
back pain; a multilevel analysis. BMC Health Serv Res. 2005; 5: 74.
Published online before print November 24, 2005.
37. Tepper, Donald E. ReimbursementV ictories: Direst Access and
Others, PT Magazine, 2003
38. Van Der Heijdan Et Al, Effects of Interferential
Electrotherapy and Pulsed Ultrasound for Soft Tissue Shoulder
Disorders, A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ann Rheumatic Diseases,
1999; 58: 530-540
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Occupational Therapy Policy Subject: Occupational Therapy
Description: Occupational therapy (OT) is the treatment of
neuromusculoskeletal and psychological dysfunction through the use
of specific task or goal-directed activities designed to improve
the functional performance of an individual.T hese services
emphasize useful and purposeful activities to improve
neuromusculoskeletal and cognitive functions, and to teach adaptive
skills to accomplish the activities of daily living (i.e., feeding,
dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities). Other
occupational therapy services include guidance in the selection and
use of adaptive equipment.
Medically Necessary Services To be considered reasonable and
necessary the following conditions must each be met:
Services are for the treatment of a covered injury, illness or
disease, and are appropriate treatment for the condition
Treatments are expected to result in significant, functional
improvement in a reasonable and generally predictable period of
time, or are necessary for the establishment of a safe and
effective maintenance program.T reatment should be directed toward
restoration or compensation for lost function. The improvement
potential must be significant in relation to the extent and
duration of the therapy required
The services must be currently accepted standards of medical
practice, and be specific and effective treatments for the
patient’s existing condition
The complexity of the therapy and the patient’s condition must
require the judgment and knowledge of a licensed qualified
clinician practicing within the scope of practice for that service.
Services that do not require the performance or supervision of a
qualified clinician are not skilled and are not considered
reasonable or necessary therapy services, even if they are
performed or supervised by a qualified professional.
The amount, frequency, and duration of the services must be
reasonable under accepted standards of practice.
Services shall be of such a level of complexity and
sophistication or the condition of the patient shall be such that
the services required can be safely and effectively performed only
by a therapist, or in the case of physical therapy and occupational
therapy by or under the supervision of a therapist. Services that
do not require the performance or supervision of a therapist are
not skilled and are not considered reasonable or necessary therapy
services, even if they are performed or supervised by a qualified
professional.
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For these purposes, “generally acceptable standards of practice”
means standards that are based on credible scientific evidence
published in the peer-reviewed literature generally recognized by
the relevant healthcare community, specialty society evidence-based
guidelines or recommendation, or expert clinical consensus in the
relevant clinical areas.
Coverage Criteria for Providers Several provider specialties
utilize various approaches to achieve therapeutic benefit in the
treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Occupational therapy
services are provided according to the members’ benefit
certificates and the health plan’s medical policies. For example,
occupational therapy must be provided by occupational therapists
(OT) or licensed occupational therapist assistants. Services billed
“incident to” by MDs/DOs/DPMs must meet the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services (CMS) “incident to” guidelines for
occupational therapy and must be rendered by “qualified providers”
as defined by CMS. This means that MDs/DOs/DPMs may only bill
occupational therapy services as “incident to” if provided by an
MD, DO, DPM, PA, ARNP, OT or a COTA under supervision of an OT.
Services Not Covered Occupational Therapy services will not be
covered when provided by athletic trainers, and other providers not
recognized by Landmark Healthcare or provided beyond the scope of
his or her license.
Care Classifications
Therapeutic Care Therapeutic care is care provided to relieve
the functional loss associated with an injury or condition and is
necessary to return the patient to the functioning level required
to perform their daily needs and work activities. Therapeutic care
generally occurs within a reasonable period of time and is guided
by evidence based practice of physical therapy.
Acute Care Acute care is care of an injury or condition
characterized by short and relatively severe symptom complex,
generally up to the first month following onset of injury. The
condition may be induced by either traumatic or non-traumatic
factors and may consist of a new condition or an exacerbation of an
existing one. Need for care is proportional to the severity of the
signs and symptoms of the particular case, modified by the status
of healing tissues. The therapeutic goals of acute care are patient
education in the recovery/healing process, reduction of symptoms
and minimization of functional loss, in preparation for resolution
of the injury or condition. Means and methods include a combination
of direct care and a home management program to progress towards
recovery of function.
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Subacute Care Subacute care is care of an injury or condition
characterized by a less severe symptom complex and intermediate
course. Typically, it follows an acute injury or exacerbation, and
can extend up to three months from onset. Subacute care is
characterized by a combination of direct care and home management
consisting of exercise, symptom management, patient education, and
an emphasis on compliance. The therapeutic goal of this phase is to
improve functional status by increasing existing range of motion
and muscle strength and reducing signs and symptoms associated with
the condition or injury. Means and methods include progression of
exercise, instruction in self-care, and monitoring patient
compliance and motivation. Intensity of care is guided by the
condition of healing tissue structures, generally including therapy
visits supplemented by a home management program.
Corrective or Rehabilitative Care Corrective or rehabilitative
care is the stage of ongoing care beyond the sub-acute phase.T his
phase of care may last up to 6 month from onset. It may also refer
to treatment of conditions that are chronic in nature and do not
occur in conjunction with an acute or subacute phase. The
therapeutic goals of this phase are reduction and management of
symptoms with a goal of maximizing function over time. Means and
methods include progression of exercise, continued patient
education, and transition to self-management. Intensity of care is
guided by functional status, focusing on home management,
supplemented by therapy visits.
Supportive Care Supportive care is that phase of care that
occurs following the corrective or rehabilitative phase. The
supportive care phase may last up to 12 months from onset. It may
apply to chronic conditions or very severe injuries. Treatment is
directed towards management of ongoing, unresolved symptoms that
may or may not impact functional status. The therapeutic goal of
this phase is patient/caregiver education, self-management, and to
prevent deterioration of physical or functional status. Means and
methods include progression of exercise and continued patient
education. Intensity of care is minimal.T his is often not covered
by the health plan’s benefit.
Palliative Care (Noncovered Service) Palliative care is
typically given to alleviate symptoms and does not provide
corrective benefit to the condition treated. A patient receiving
palliative care, in most instances, demonstrates varying lapses
between treatments. If an exacerbation of a condition occurs, care
becomes therapeutic rather than palliative, and documentation of
the necessity for care (e.g., etiology of exacerbation, objective
findings, and desired outcomes) must be obtained.
Skilled Maintenance Care Maintenance care is defined as services
required to maintain the member’s current condition or to prevent
or slow deterioration of the member’s condition. (Chapter 15,
Section 220.2 Subsection D of the Medicare Benefit Policy
Manual)
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Skilled maintenance care for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees is
covered if the specialized skill, knowledge and judgment of a
qualified therapist are required:
To establish or design a maintenance program appropriate to the
capacity and tolerance of the member
To educate/instruct the member or appropriate caregiver
regarding the maintenance program
For periodic re-evaluations of the maintenance program When
skilled services are required in order to provide reasonable and
necessary
care to prevent or slow further deterioration, coverage will not
be denied based on the absence of potential for improvement or
restoration as long as skilled care is required.
Skilled Maintenance Programs in an Outpatient and Home Health
setting will not be covered if furnished by a Physical Therapist
Assistant. (Chapter 15, Section 220.2 Subsection D of the Medicare
Benefit Policy Manual)
Preventive Care Examinations (Noncovered Service) Preventive
care includes management of the asymptomatic patient. Preventive
care examinations may include pre-vocational or ergonomic
assessments.
Habilitation: Physical, occupational and speech therapy services
provided in order for a person to attain and maintain a skill or
function for daily living, that was never learned or acquired and
is due to a disabling condition such as developmental delay,
developmental disability, developmental speech or language
disorder, developmental coordination disorder and mixed
developmental disorder.
Condition Severity Classifications Severity is classified as
mild, moderate and severe conditions. Severity is determined by
several factors including, but not limited to, mode of onset,
duration of care, loss of work days, and functional deficits.
Conditions Severity Criteria Table Criteria Mild
Condition Moderate Condition
Severe Condition
Mode of onset Variable Variable Severe Anticipated duration of
care 1-6 weeks 6-10 weeks 10 or more weeks Loss of work days No
loss of
work days 0-4 days of work lost
5 or more days of work lost
Work restriction None Possible, depends on occupation; 0-2
weeks
Restriction, depending on occupation; 2 or more weeks
Functional deficits: Mild/no loss Mild to moderate Considerable
loss
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1. Range of motion loss 2. Muscle Strength Mild/no loss Mild to
moderate
loss Considerable loss
3. Neurologic findings None May be present May be present 4.
BADL (Basic daily function such as walking in the home, bathing,
dressing, grooming, feeding, positioning, and elimination)
Mild/no loss Mild to moderate Moderate to severe
Criteria/Guidelines for Provision of Occupational Therapy
Indications for Coverage 1. Contract limitations for
occupational therapy services will determine the available
benefit if such therapy is determined to be medically necessary.
2. Occupational therapy (OT) services must be ordered by a
physician
Each member should be provided with a treatment plan at their
start of care describing appropriate treatment modalities and
exercises.
The member’s treatment plan must contain objective data,
reasonable expectations, and measurable goals for a specific
diagnosis.
Re-assessments of member progress should be undertaken as part
of every ongoing OT session; assessments of this nature should be
included in the treatment session and should not be performed in a
separate treatment session.
The assessment is a part of ongoing care and should occur
throughout each treatment session so that therapy continues to be
patient- focused to meet the changing needs of the member.
A formal reassessment with objective measures and updated goals
should occur at least every 30 days.
Lack of measureable and significant change at reassessments
should result in a change in the program or discharge to a home
management program.
3. Occupational therapy services are reviewed and evaluated by
CareCore National periodically during a member’s episode of care.
At each review, the clinical reviewer will evaluate the key
objective and subjective
measures of the member’s clinical status, with a focused review
onf unction. This information, in the context of the generally
accepted natural history of the
condition(s) under care, will be used to determine the medical
necessity of the care provided to date, and/or the care that is
proposed.
Refer to the Evidence Based Guidelines, Patient History and
Presentation for information on specific conditions.
Reasonable and Necessary Services Occupational therapy (OT)
services are considered medically necessary when all of the
following criteria are met:
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1. Therapy requires the judgment, knowledge and skills of a
qualified provider of occupational therapy services due to the
complexity and sophistication of the therapy and the physical
condition of the patient. A qualified provider of occupational
therapy services is one who is licensed
where required and performs within the scope of licensure.
Services provided by OT aides or other non-qualified professionals
are not
covered. 2. OT services meet the functional needs of the member
who suffers from a physical
impairment due to illness, disease, or injury and are
appropriate treatment for the condition. The patient must have
functional deficits that interfere with Activities of Daily
Living Refer to the Evidence Based Guidelines, Admission
Criteria, for information on
specific functional losses for specific conditions. 3. OT
services achieve a specific diagnosis-related goal for a member,
who has a
reasonable expectation of achieving measurable improvement, in a
reasonable and predictable period of time. Significant is defined
as a measureable and meaningful increase (as
documented in the patient’s record) in the patient’s level of
physical and functional abilities that can be attained with
short-term therapy, usually within a two month period.
Refer to the Evidence Based Guidelines for expected functional
recovery for specific conditions.
4. OT services inherently include the introduction and provision
of, and education about a home (self) management program,
appropriate for the condition(s) under treatment. In keeping with
professional standards, this home management program should be
introduced into the course of treatment at the earliest appropriate
time; (This may also be applicable to parents, guardians, or
caregivers of pediatric patients and adult patients needing
assistance.)
5. OT services provide specific, effective, and reasonable
treatment for the member’s diagnosis and physical condition. Refer
to the Evidence Based Guidelines for a review of specific
conditions and their course of recovery.
6. OT services are only considered medically necessary for the
restoration of basic functional activities of daily living.
7. OT services must be described using standard and generally
accepted medical/occupational therapy/rehabilitation terminology.
Such terminology includes objective measurements for ranges of
motion, motor ability, and levels of function. Standardized tests
for strength, motion, and function are required. Examples of
validated tests include the Oswestry, DASH, TUG, LEFS, etc.
Standardized subjective measurements for pain are also
expected;
8. Services do not duplicate those provided concurrently by any
other therapy. When a patient receives both occupational and
physical or speech therapy, the therapies should provide different
interventions and not duplicate the same treatment.T hey must have
separate treatment plans and goals with treatment occurring in
separate treatment sessions and visits.
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Occupational Therapy Services Considered Not Medically Necessary
Under Any Of The Following Circumstances: 1. Training in
nonessential self-help or recreational tasks such as:
Homemaking, gardening, educational activities and driving,
return to sport or recreational activities (e.g., golf, tennis,
running, jogging, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, football,
baseball, martial arts, dance, etc.), or for the performance of
work-related or other specific vocational tasks.
2. Maintenance OT services Maintenance therapy is defined as
ongoing therapy after the patient has reached maximum
rehabilitation potential, or functional level has shown no
significant improvement for 2 weeks, and initial instruction in a
maintenance program is completed. This is particularly applicable
to patients with chronic, stable conditions where skilled
supervision/interventions are no longer required and further
clinical improvement cannot reasonably be expected from continuous
ongoing care. This includes but is not limited to: Therapy that is
supportive rather than corrective in nature Therapy that is
intended to maintain a gradual process of healing, or to
prevent
deterioration or relapse Ongoing treatment solely to improve
endurance, strength, or distance Passive exercises to maintain
range of motion that can be carried out by non-
skilled persons A general exercise program to promote overall
fitness Treatment that is intended to provide diversion or general
motivation Treatment that seeks to prevent disease, promote health,
and prolong and
enhance quality of life 3. Ongoing or prolonged treatment for
chronic conditions and/or chronic pain is not
considered medically necessary in the absence of measurable
improvement that is sustained from treatment visit to treatment
visit.T herapy is also not covered when the condition is not
expected to improve significantly within a reasonable time period.
Therapy is not meant to address ongoing safety issues related to
cognitive and
physical impairments that do not appear to be improving. 4. OT
treatment must include active, skilled therapy (i.e. that requiring
an occupational
therapist or physician) during each session, at intensity and of
duration necessary to the condition(s) under treatment. The use of
passive modalities should be limited to the acute phase of
recovery
and care should quickly transition to active care. Non-skilled
therapy includes but is not limited to routine, repetitive and
reinforced
procedures that do not require one-to-one intervention such as
using a UBE, progressive resistive exercise after instruction, and
passive range of motion.T hese procedures do not generally require
the skills of a qualified provider of OT services and are therefore
not covered.
5. The intensity or frequency of care should not exceed the
number of visits necessary for a clinician to provide skilled care.
Repetitive care and exercise is not considered skilled and can be
transitioned to
a home management program. (For example a member receiving
passive exercise following an orthopedic procedure will require a
visit for instruction and
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periodic visits to monitor the patient’s progress and update the
program.T his normally does not exceed 1 to 2 visits weekly.)
Refer to the Evidence Based Guidelines for examples of treatment
progression based on the nature and severity of clinical
findings.
6. Group exercise/ therapy programs defined as the simultaneous
treatment of two or more patients who may or may not be doing the
same activities is not a covered benefit.
7. Occupational therapy is not covered when an individual’s
improvement potential is insignificant when compared to the extent
and duration of the therapy needed.
8. Occupational therapy is not covered when the member suffers a
temporary loss or reduction of function and could reasonably be
expected to improve spontaneously without the services of an
occupational therapist.
9. Instruction of other agency or professional personnel in the
patient’s physical therapy program
10. Collaboration with other agency or professional personnel or
with other community resources
11. Emotional support, adjustment to extended hospitalization
and/or disability, and behavioral readjustment
Discharge Criteria Criteria utilized for determining whether a
member is eligible for discharge from OT is determined based on the
following (objective data) and is available in the Clinical
Practice Guidelines under Discharge Criteria: 1. Functional range
of motion (ROM) for the injured or impaired body part(s). ROM
measurements will be reviewed on an individual basis. ROM values
will be compared to standard normative measures that have been
published in the medical/orthopedic literature with respect to
functional ability as demonstrated by the member.
These values can be found in Measurement of Joint Motion, a
Guide to Goniometry, 3rd Edition, 2003 by Norkin and White as well
as other texts and are referenced in the Clinical Practice
Guidelines.
2. Satisfactory motor ability of the impaired or injured part(s)
such that further improvement can be accomplished with a home
exercise (management) program (HEP). Refer to the Clinical Practice
Guidelines, Home and Self-Care Techniques.
3. The member is able to perform activities of daily living
(ADLs) such as walking in the home, bathing, grooming, feeding,
positioning, dressing and elimination.
4. For additional therapy requests to be considered medically
necessary, they must include documented objective, measurable
clinical data demonstrating the need for continued treatment. Valid
and reliable instruments should be used to provide the data. In
those instances when there is no documented continual progression
of
function or improvement over the course of treatment, or when a
negative trend occurs, further OT services generally will not be
approved due to lack of medical necessity.
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5. If the member has been non-compliant with therapy as is
evidenced by the clinical documentation, and/or the lack of
demonstrated progress, OT will be deemed to be not medically
necessary and the member should be discharged from OT.
6. Occupational therapy services are not considered medically
necessary for pain mediation alone.T he goals of OT are for
improvement in restoration of function, motor ability, and range of
motion as indicated previously.
Medicare References 1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS), Medicare Benefit Policy Manual-
Pub. 100-2: Chapter 15, Section 220, Covered Medical and Other
Health Services, Conditions of Coverage and Payment Outpatient
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech-Language
Pathology Services.
http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdf
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare
Benefit Policy Manual-Pub. 100-2: Chapter 15, Section 230, Covered
Medical and Other Health Services, Practice of Physical Therapy,
Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology.
http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdf
3. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Diathermy Treatment
(150.5).
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&.
4. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Neuromuscular
Electrical Stimulaton (NMES) (160.12).
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
5. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Electrotherapy for
Treatment of Facial Nerve Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) (160.15)
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
6. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Heat Treatment,
Including the Use of Diathermy and Ultra-Sound for Pulmonary
Conditions (240.3).
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
7. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Infrared Therapy
Devices (270.6)
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advanced
8. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Medicine: Physical
Therapy-Outpatient (L34310). Cahaba Government Benefit
Administrators®.,Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-
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http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/bp102c15.pdfhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=58&ncdver=2&DocID=150.5&bc=gAAAAAgAAAAAAA%3d%3d&https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.12&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=160.15&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=240.3&kq=true&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttp://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/search/document-id-search-results.aspx?DocID=270.6&bc=IAAAAAAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&&SearchType=Advancedhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34310&ver=11&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34310&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&%20
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details.aspx?LCDId=34310&ver=11&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34310&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
9. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Medicine: Physical
Therapy- Outpatient (L34308) Cahaba Government Benefit
Administrators®.,Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34308&ver=14&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34308&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
10. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Outpatient Physical
and Occupational Therapy Services (L34049) CGS Administrators,
LLC., Kentucky, Ohio
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=34049&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L34049&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
11. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Outpatient Physical
and Occupational Therapy Services (L33631) National Government
Services, Inc. Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont,
Wisconsin
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33631&ver=18&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33631&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
12. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Therapy and
Rehabilitation Services (L33413) First Coast Service Options, Inc.
Florida
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=33413&ver=19&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L33413&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
13. Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Therapy and
Rehabilitation Services (L35036) Novitas Solutions, Inc. Arkansas,
Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35036&ver=64&Date=03%2f28%2f2017&DocID=L35036&bc=iAAAABAAAAAAAA%3d%3d&
References 14. ACOEM Practice Guidelines, American College of
Occupational and Environmental
Medicine, 2011 15. APTA, Defining Skilled Maintenance Therapy
and Minimizing Denials, April, 2014. 16. Bischel, Margaret D., ‘The
Managed Physical/Occupational Therapy and
Rehabilitation Care Manual’ (Apollo Managed Care Consultants,
2002) 17. Braddom R. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2nd
Ed. Saunders, 2000 18. De Carlos MS, Sell KE,T he effects of the
number and frequency of Physical
Therapy treatment on selected outcomes of treatment in patients
with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, J Orthop Sports
Phys Ther. 1997, 26 (6): 332-9.
19. Dutton, Mark, Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, &
Intervention, McGraw-Hill Medial Publishing Division, 2004
20. Gerhardt J, Cocchaiarella L, and Lea R. The Practical Guide
to Range of Motion Assessment American Medical Association,
2002
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27. Medicare Part B Reference Manual. October 2001, Revision 050
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