Select Page

How much does Medicare Part B pay for physical therapy?

Average reimbursement for physical therapy visit s under Medicare part B will pay between $97 and $105 for a 60-minute, 4-unit physical therapy treatment.

The initial evaluation visit typically reimburses at a higher rate of $130 to $160 on average due to the higher relative value of the initial evaluation code.

How much does a physical therapy evaluation cost?

Medicare Part B reimbursement rates vary based on location, but in general, reimbursement rates for a physical therapy initial evaluation (CPT Code 97161, 97162, 97163) range between $90 and $110. 

What determines Medicare Part B Reimbursement rates for Physical Therapy?

1.) Location –

Different states have different reimbursement rates. Watch the video at the bottom of this article to learn how you can check reimbursement rates specific to your state.

2.) Services Delivered –

Different CPT Procedure codes will reimburse at different rates. Therapeutic activity 97530 reimburses at nearly 20% higher rates than Therapeutic exercise 97110.

3.) Length of treatment –

Many of the main physical therapy codes are time based codes. The longer you treat a Medicare beneficiary the greater number of units billed and as a result the higher reimbursement per visit.

Does Outpatient Physical Therapy Pay Differently When Delivered In the Home?

No, there is no different between Medicare Part B reimbursement rates for physical therapy service delivered in the patient’s home or in a private practice clinic.

How do I Become a Contracted Medicare provider?

If you would like to learn more about contracting with Medicare as a physical therapist in private practice read this post: Click here

If you want to learn how to look up the Medicare CMS Physician Fee Schedule for 2020 and specifically for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech language pathology, WATCH THIS VIDEO.

In 2020 CMS Physician Fee Schedule Lookup Tool Shows:

  • 97161 – $84.17
  • 97110 – $30.21
  • 97124 – $28.53
  • 97140 – $27.83
  • 97530 – $38.43

Video Time Stamps

  • 00:00 – How to look up Medicare physician fee schedule for physical therapy
  • 01:42 – See the actual fee schedule for Ohio Medicare in 2020
  • 05:51 – BONUS tip to increase revenue and net income
Anthony Maritato, PT

Anthony Maritato, PT

Private Practice Owner / Physical Therapist

After starting a private practice physical therapy clinic in 2022 with his wife Kathy Maritato, PT, Tony and Kathy grew their practice to five locations across two states.

Now, Tony and Kathy enjoy spending time treating patients in the morning, coaching therapists in the evening, and being home to play with their dog Tucker and 4 boys.

More Lessons...

25 Most Commonly Used Physical Therapy Abbreviations

25 Most Common Outpatient Physical Therapy Abbreviations in 2022 AAROM - Active Assisted Range of Motion AROM - Active Range of Motion CLOF - Current Level of Function CPM - Continuous Passive Motion DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy ER - External Rotation GLOF - Goal...

PT vs PTA: Should I become a PT or PTA?

PT vs PTA: Should I become a PT or PTA?

Should I Become a PT vs PTA in 2023? This is a great question. In my opinion, the main difference between choosing to become a PT vs PTA depends on your goals for the future. There is little difference in the salary, job opportunities, and fulfillment of both paths....

Will PTAs Be Phased Out in 2023?

Will PTAs be phased out of the physical therapy profession in 2023? Absolutely not! Physical therapist assistants are a vital part of the patient care experience. I believe the best way to preserve the future of physical therapist assistants in the physical therapy...

Can you Charge a Medicare Patient for a No Show Fee? 2022 Update

Can you Charge a Medicare Patient for a No Show Fee? 2022 Update

Can You Charge a No Show Fee to a Medicare Beneficiary? Yes, you are allowed to charge a no show fee to a Medicare beneficiary as long as you have an established no show fee policy for all patients at your practice. "According to Chapter 1, section 30.3.13 of the...

CPT Code 95992

CPT Code 95992

CPT Code 95992 CPT 95992 – Canalith repositioning procedure(s) (eg, Epley maneuver, Semont maneuver), per day* Source: NGS A56566 Appropriate Diagnosis to Charge CPT Code 95992 H81.11 - Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear H81.12 - Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left ear...

Reason Code 4 | Remark Code N519 Physical Therapy Denial

Reason Code 4 | Remark Code N519 Physical Therapy Denial

Reason Code 4 Medicare Remarks: "The procedure code is inconsistent with the modifier used or a required modifier is missing." The most common reason for this denial is a missing professional discipline modifier. GP Modifier Physical Therapy GO Modifier Occupational...

Medicare ABN Form: Physical Therapist In Private Practice

Medicare ABN Form: Physical Therapist In Private Practice

What is a Medicare ABN Form?  According to the Medicare Claims Processing Manual Chapter 30 Section 50: " The ABN is an Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved written notice issued by healthcare providers and suppliers for items and services provided under...

Physical Therapy Medical Record Retention Laws in 2022

Physical Therapy Medical Record Retention Laws in 2022

Medical Record Retention Law Question: "Can someone point me to the resources for how long to maintain medical records? "Currently, in 2022, the longest duration you must store medical records is 10 years according to § 3731. False claims procedure.How long is a...