Skip to main content
Rehabilitation Denial

Medicare Denied Your Rehabilitation / PT / OT?

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) denies 18% of claims on average. But 75% of appeals succeed when patients fight back. Your rehabilitation / pt / ot denial may have grounds for a successful appeal.

18%
Denial Rate
75%
Appeal Success
60-90 days
Typical Timeline
$2,000–$20,000
Typical Claim

Why Medicare Denies Rehabilitation / PT / OT

Maximum therapy visits reached for the year

Not making sufficient progress toward goals

Treatment deemed maintenance rather than restorative

Medicare's Common Denial Tactics

Denying claims as not reasonable and necessary

Coverage determinations based on LCD/NCD criteria

Denying skilled nursing facility stays as custodial care

How to Win Your Rehabilitation / PT / OT Appeal

Therapist documentation of measurable functional improvement

Updated treatment plan with specific, measurable goals

Physician letter explaining medical necessity of continued therapy

Laws That Protect You

ACA — Rehabilitative and habilitative services as EHB

Jimmo v. Sebelius — improvement not required for Medicare coverage

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

Tips for Appealing to Medicare

Medicare has a 5-level appeal process — most denials are overturned by level 2 or 3

Request an ALJ hearing if redetermination and reconsideration fail

Cite specific LCD/NCD criteria and explain how your case meets them

Ready to Fight Your Rehabilitation / PT / OT Denial?

Upload your denial letter and get an AI-powered analysis in minutes. We'll identify the weaknesses in Medicare's reasoning and build your appeal strategy.

Analyze My Denial Free

Analysis is always free. No credit card required.

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.

Medicare Denied Your Rehabilitation / PT / OT? Here's How to Appeal | Lysco