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Does TRICARE cover physical therapy?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini, gpt-4o)
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy when medically necessary. Requires physician order with some visit limitations and cost-shares.
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Key Takeaways
- PT/OT/Speech therapy covered
- Must be medically necessary
- Visit limits may apply
- Extended therapy needs authorization
Detailed Answer
TRICARE covers rehabilitative therapies:
Covered Therapies
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Speech-language pathology
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Coverage Requirements
- Must be medically necessary
- Ordered by treating physician
- Improving/maintaining function
- Reasonable treatment duration
Where to Receive Care
- MTF therapy departments
- Network civilian providers
- Non-network with higher costs
Limitations
- May have visit limits per year
- Extended treatment needs authorization
- Maintenance therapy less covered than recovery
Cost-Shares
- Active duty: No cost
- Prime: Small copays
- Select: Cost-share per visit
Common Conditions Covered
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Injury recovery
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Developmental delays (children)
- Chronic condition management
Helpful Tips
- Get physician referral
- Track your therapy visits
- Request authorization for extended treatment
Related TRICARE Terms
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