APTA, in collaboration with fellow rehabilitation associations, sent a letter and subsequently met with representatives from UnitedHealthcare in September and October to share concerns related to the administrative burden created by resuming prior authorization requirements for follow-up visits as of Sept. 1. Despite APTA’s request to remove or ease the requirements, UHC has responded that it intends to keep the prior authorization requirement in place.

APTA reported on the details of these plans earlier, which impact outpatient services for many beneficiaries covered by UHC Medicare Advantage plan, Optum Healthcare Solutions MA plan, and UHC’s Community Health plan by expanding prior authorization requirements for follow-up visits when physical therapist services are provided in outpatient clinic and outpatient hospital settings.