Non-Covered Services Under Medicare Part B for Outpatient Physical Therapy

Understanding Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part B covers only medically necessary therapy services that:

If a service does not meet these criteria, Medicare will not cover it. These coverage rules are set by Medicare, not by this clinic. If you wish to receive a non-covered service, you may choose to pay out-of-pocket at $40 per service, which can be added to your session.

Medicare Insurance: Non-Covered Physical Therapy Services

Medicare-Covered Skilled Maintenance Therapy

Medicare does cover maintenance therapy as long as it meets the following criteria:


💡 Example: If a patient with Parkinson’s disease needs therapist-guided exercises to maintain balance and mobility, Medicare will cover it. However, if the patient is performing a routine home exercise program independently, it is not covered.

Services That Do Not Require Skilled Therapy

Medicare does not cover therapy that can be safely performed without a licensed therapist’s expertise. This includes:


💡 Example: If a patient recovering from knee replacement is performing stationary biking without therapist adjustments, Medicare will not cover the session.


Services Provided Without a Valid Plan of Care

Medicare requires that all therapy services be provided under a physician/NPP-certified Plan of Care (POC). Services not meeting this requirement include:


💡 Example: If a therapist continues treatment after the POC expires without obtaining recertification, Medicare will deny payment.


Services That Are Not Medically Necessary

Medicare does not cover therapy that lacks medical necessity or functional benefit, including:


💡 Example: If a patient with chronic low back pain receives therapy three times per week indefinitely without improvement, Medicare will likely deny further treatment.


Services Provided by Unqualified Personnel

Medicare only reimburses therapy services provided by licensed therapists or properly supervised assistants. Non-covered services include:


💡 Example: If a therapy aide provides manual therapy techniques without a licensed PT supervising, the service is not covered.


Experimental, Investigational, or Alternative Therapies

Medicare does not cover treatments that are unproven, alternative, or investigational, including:


💡 Example: If a clinic offers craniosacral therapy or energy healing, Medicare will not reimburse these services.


Key Takeaways: What Medicare Does NOT Cover

Therapy must require skilled intervention to be covered.
✅ All services must be under a physician-certified Plan of Care.
✅ Routine, repetitive exercises without therapist adjustment are not covered.
✅ Services performed by unqualified personnel are not reimbursable.
✅ Alternative or experimental therapies are not covered.
✅ Billing errors can result in denials—documentation must align with Medicare rules.