Greetings!
We're pleased to share that Aetna has updated its physical therapy policy to provide unrestricted direct access to physical therapist services in response to ongoing advocacy efforts by APTA. Effective June 17, Aetna will no longer require a referral or signed plan of care for physical therapy. The change in policy, resulting from the involvement of APTA Orthopedics and APTA Private Practice's Payment Consortium, as well as the sustained and strategic effort from APTA staff and engagement of members spanning almost a decade and marks a significant victory for patients and for the profession.
The previous policy indicated "Aetna considers physical therapy (PT) medically necessary when this care is prescribed by a chiropractor, DO, MD, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or other health care professional qualified to prescribe physical therapy according to State law..."