Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare service that helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. TRICARE covers medically necessary occupational therapy when prescribed by a physician and provided by a TRICARE-authorized occupational therapist.

Occupational therapy services covered by TRICARE: • Activities of daily living training (dressing, bathing, eating) • Fine motor skill development and rehabilitation • Cognitive and perceptual skills training • Adaptive equipment recommendations • Hand and upper extremity rehabilitation • Sensory integration therapy • Workplace and home modifications assessment • Pediatric developmental therapy

Common conditions treated with OT: • Traumatic brain injury • Stroke recovery • Hand and arm injuries • Developmental delays in children • Autism spectrum disorder • Arthritis and joint conditions • Post-surgical recovery

TRICARE OT coverage: • Referral required for TRICARE Prime; not required for Select • Standard cost-sharing applies • Prior authorization may be needed for extended programs • Available at MTFs, network, and non-network providers

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping military beneficiaries regain independence after injury or illness, addressing both physical and cognitive challenges.