Anthem / Elevance Denied Your Physical Therapy?
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Elevance Health) denies 15.3% of claims on average. But 54% of appeals succeed when patients fight back. Your physical therapy denial may have grounds for a successful appeal.
Why Anthem / Elevance Denies Physical Therapy
Visit limit exceeded per plan year
Maintenance therapy — no longer improving
Prior authorization expired or not renewed
Anthem / Elevance's Common Denial Tactics
Referencing outdated clinical criteria
Bundling denials across multiple related claims
Claiming services are "not medically necessary" without specific reasoning
How to Win Your Physical Therapy Appeal
Objective measurement of functional progress (ROM, strength, balance scores)
Treatment plan with specific, measurable goals
Documentation that cessation would cause regression
For Medicare: cite Jimmo v. Sebelius settlement requiring maintenance coverage
Laws That Protect You
ACA §2719 — Appeal rights
Jimmo v. Sebelius (Medicare) — Maintenance therapy coverage
State mandated minimums for PT visits
Tips for Appealing to Anthem / Elevance
Demand the specific clinical policy bulletin used for the denial
Check if your state mandates coverage for the denied service
File an external review — Anthem has a 54% overturn rate on appeal
Ready to Fight Your Physical Therapy Denial?
Upload your denial letter and get an AI-powered analysis in minutes. We'll identify the weaknesses in Anthem / Elevance's reasoning and build your appeal strategy.
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This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Statistics cited are from publicly available sources including KFF, HHS OIG, and state insurance department data. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified professional before taking action on your specific situation.