Have You Used All of Your Medicare Physical Therapy Benefits? You May Still Have Occupational Therapy Coverage Available
Many people are surprised to learn that using all of their Medicare physical therapy benefits does not necessarily mean their therapy services need to end. If you have reached the annual Medicare threshold for physical therapy, you may still have a completely separate amount of Medicare coverage available for occupational therapy.
At Tula Physical Therapy & Wellness, we now offer occupational therapy in addition to physical therapy, allowing patients to continue treatment when appropriate. Because our physical therapists and occupational therapists work closely together, we can provide a smooth and seamless transition from physical therapy to occupational therapy while maintaining continuity of care.
Does Medicare Cover Occupational Therapy After Physical Therapy Benefits Are Used?
Yes. Medicare provides a separate annual therapy threshold for occupational therapy. Physical therapy and speech therapy share one threshold, while occupational therapy has its own.
This means that even if you have used all of your Medicare physical therapy benefits for the year, you may still be eligible for Medicare-covered occupational therapy services.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, grooming, cooking, writing, typing, and other essential tasks. Occupational therapists are also experts in hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation, treating conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers.
Common conditions treated by occupational therapists include shoulder pain, Rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff tendinopathy, Tendinitis, Lateral epicondylitis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, arthritis, nerve injuries, finger stiffness, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
In addition to upper extremity orthopedic care, occupational therapists are highly trained in balance training, gait training, and fall prevention. This makes occupational therapy an excellent option for older adults and anyone who feels unsteady or is at risk for falling.
Seamless Transition from Physical Therapy to Occupational Therapy in New York City
One of the advantages of receiving care at Tula Physical Therapy & Wellness is the close collaboration between our physical therapists and occupational therapists. We communicate regularly and coordinate each patient’s plan of care to ensure a smooth transition when occupational therapy is the next appropriate step.
All treatment sessions are provided one-on-one with a licensed therapist. You will work directly with your occupational therapist or physical therapist for the entire session. We do not use aides or technicians, and we never divide our attention among multiple patients.
If you are looking for occupational therapy in New York City and have been told that you have used all of your Medicare physical therapy benefits, occupational therapy may allow you to continue receiving expert, personalized care.
Contact Tula Physical Therapy & Wellness to learn more about your Medicare occupational therapy benefits and whether occupational therapy is the right next step in your recovery.
