Physical therapy services

When your doctor or other health care provider (including a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant) certifies you need it, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for medically necessary outpatient physical therapy. 

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount .

There's no limit on how much Medicare pays for your medically necessary outpatient therapy services in one calendar year.

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

What it is

Physical Therapy is care that:

  • Evaluates and treat injuries and diseases that change your ability to function.
  • Improves or maintains current function or slows decline.

Is my test, item, or service covered?