A look at 2 issues: Are PTAs reimbursable? Also, regions will consolidate.

APTA has received many requests from its members for clarification on the role physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can play within TRICARE, the health care program of the US Department of Defense. The confusion is understandable, as neither TRICARE itself nor contractor provider manuals have been crystal clear in their communications. APTA can state without ambiguity, however, that PTAs, unfortunately, are not permitted under any circumstances to provide services for payment under TRICARE.

The rationale is contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and TRICARE's policy manual.