Medicare has strict guidelines as to what constitutes physical therapy. These include (but are not limited to) “medical necessity” status for treatment of problem, medical follow-up with a physician approximately every 30 days, frequency of treatment in PT 2-3 time per week basis and (or) have a chronic condition (onset greater than 6 months ago) that will take longer than the 4-6 week time frame to resolve.
(i.e. a person with a hip problem that can walk 150 feet safely, with or without a cane, drive, stand long enough to re-heat a meal and sit long enough to eat a meal would be considered “Independent” and not eligible for physical therapy and under Medicare guidelines.)