UHC, Optum Tighten Prior Auth Rules for Follow-Up PT Visits Under Many MA Plans

(This article was updated on Dec. 4 from its initial publication on Aug. 19 to include additional clarifications and guidance from UHC.)

In disappointing moves that walk back needed reforms to burdensome prior authorization policies announced in August 2023, UnitedHealthcare has expanded prior authorization requirements within certain plans for follow-up PT visits when services are provided in office and outpatient hospital settings, effective Sept. 1.

See which plans are impacted and which are excluded.

Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.

Create a free account Log in

You Might Also Like...

Article

New ChoosePT Resources to Help You Educate Patients and Grow Demand

Apr 28, 2026

APTA's consumer-focused website, ChoosePT.com, continues to expand with new and regularly updated resources designed to help the public better understand

Article

New VA Scheduling System Eases Administrative Burden for Community Care PTs

Apr 28, 2026

Physical therapists providing care to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network are seeing long-awaited relief from

Article

CMS Requests Accelerated Medicaid Provider Revalidations: What PTs Need to Know

Apr 27, 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has asked all state Medicaid agencies to conduct a "swift revalidation" of certain Medicaid providers identified