Medicare Denied Your Rehabilitation / PT / OT?
According to federal data, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) denies approximately 18% of claims. When patients appeal, about 75% are overturned. Your rehabilitation / pt / ot denial may have grounds for a successful appeal.Sources: KFF ACA Marketplace Transparency Data, HHS OIG Reports, state insurance department filings. Rates are aggregate averages — individual results vary by plan type, denial reason, and documentation.
Based on published government and industry research. Individual results vary based on denial type, insurer, and documentation.
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
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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.