If you’re an Aetna member looking to begin physical therapy, your road to recovery just got easier. Aetna has announced two major policy changes that remove long-standing administrative barriers to care. These changes mark a significant step toward improving patient access and autonomy in outpatient physical therapy.
What Are the Two Big Changes?
Effective June 17, 2025, Aetna will implement the following updates:
No Physician’s Order Required for Physical Therapy: Patients with Aetna coverage will no longer need a referral or order from a physician before starting outpatient physical therapy services. This streamlines access to care and supports the growing trend of direct access, where patients can begin treatment without waiting for a doctor’s approval.
The second update is No Physician Signature Required on the Plan of Care: Physical therapists are now no longer required to obtain a physician’s signature or approval for the written plan of care. This change allows therapists to begin and adjust treatment plans based on clinical judgment without added administrative hurdles. These changes mark a major step forward in removing unnecessary barriers to timely rehabilitation services.
These updates take effect on June 17, 2025. Claims submitted for services provided on or after that date will be subject to the new guidelines and Aetna has clarified that these updates apply only to outpatient physical therapy services.
Aetna’s decision to eliminate the physician order and signature requirements for physical therapy is a win for patients, therapists, and care access overall. By simplifying the process, Aetna is aligning with evidence-based practices that support direct access and empower physical therapists to deliver care quickly and effectively.
¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 305-570-1633, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at https://physicaltherapynow.com/franchise/
