Insurers are increasingly contracting with third-party vendors of utilization management programs, or "UM," to administer the rehabilitation benefit. This can create both challenges and opportunities for physical therapists in the commercial sector.

APTA provides strategies to mitigate the current and future impacts of UM use, including restrictive prior authorization policies, and ways to foster cooperation between providers and UM vendors so that both parties benefit.

The ultimate goal is the provision of patient-centered care at the lowest cost and maximum outcomes.