APTA Collaborates With Wal-Mart on PTA Coverage
At APTA's urging, Wal-Mart Corporation has changed its policy to cover services delivered by physical therapist assistants (PTAs). Effective July 1, Wal-Mart's medical plan, BlueAdvantage, will pay for services delivered by PTAs as long as they are under the direct supervision of a physical therapist (PT) and the claims are billed by the PT. These claims will be subject to the same coverage criteria as the plan’s physical therapy coverage criteria.
Wal-Mart's previous coverage policy stated, "Therapy is covered when prescribed by a physician and provided by a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist."