Direct Access Legislation
Under current Medicare law, a physician’s referral is necessary for payment for physical and occupational therapy and for speech-language pathology services.
Members of Congress have introduced legislation in past sessions that would amend the Social Security Act to authorize a physical therapist to evaluate and treat Medicare beneficiaries without a requirement for a physician referral.
AOTA’s position is that all skilled therapies should continue to receive equal treatment under Medicare, and is working with Congress to assure an appropriate and current definition of occupational therapy is included in Medicare.