Home Physical Therapy
Taking Personalized PT to New Heights

by Mark Kelly, PT, MSPT

Physical Therapy in the homecare setting can play an important role in helping patients be safe in their house after an injury, change in physical status, or after a surgical procedure. In addition, it can help with the transition back into the community. It is usually short term in nature.

Medicare has guidelines for eligibility for covered homecare physical therapy and a doctor's prescription is required. To qualify, according to government guidelines:

1. The patient must be unable to leave home due to illness, injury, or surgery.
2. It must be a taxable effort for the patient to leave the home.
3. The patient requires assistance or special transportation to leave the home.
4. The patient needs a skilled service (RN, PT, OT, Speech).

A patient is not considered "homebound" under Medicare if the patient:

1. Leaves for social events.
2. Goes to daycare for non-medical purposes.
3. Drives a car.
4. Leaves to go shopping or out for business on a regular basis.

If you are considering homecare physical therapy, talk to your medical doctor regarding a prescription and recommendations. Then call STAR Physical Therapy to discuss scheduling a homecare visit.