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As physical therapy evolves, many patients and providers alike wonder: Can physical therapists perform diagnostic services, particularly for Medicare patients? The short answer is yes — under specific conditions. Physical therapists can perform certain diagnostic tests on Medicare patients, but only if they are board certified in clinical electrophysiology by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Additionally, the service must be permitted under the physical therapist’s state law.
Medicare (CMS) recognizes board-certified PTs to provide the following tests:
1. Electromyography (EMG)
This test measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to nerve stimulation of the muscle.
2. Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)
Used to assess how fast electrical signals move through your peripheral nerves.
3. Sensory Evoked Potentials (SEPs)
Tests how the brain responds to sensory input like sight, sound, or touch — often used to evaluate neurological disorders.
Diagnostic testing like EMGs, NCVs, and SEPs can play a crucial role in identifying the source of pain or dysfunction — helping physical therapists create more targeted treatment plans. When performed by a board-certified clinical electrophysiology specialist, these services are recognized and reimbursable under Medicare, as long as your state law allows it. Physical therapists who are board certified in clinical electrophysiology have a unique opportunity to expand their scope of services by offering diagnostic testing such as EMGs, NCVs, and SEPs — with full recognition and reimbursement from Medicare, provided state laws permit it. These services not only support more precise treatment planning but also reinforce the role of physical therapists as key contributors in the diagnostic process.

¨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 www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

When a therapist—whether a full-time employee or a traveling clinician—leaves a practice, it’s not uncommon to discover unfinished documentation, such as a missing discharge report. One of the most frequently asked questions in this scenario is whether another therapist who never treated the patient can write the discharge report based solely on the existing notes in the medical record. Technically, the answer is yes—another licensed therapist could write the discharge summary. However, the real question is: should they?

Any therapist who signs their name and credentials on a discharge report becomes part of that patient’s case, regardless of whether they ever interacted with the patient directly. This can present several concerns. If an insurance company requests the records, or if the patient has an active workers’ compensation claim, pending lawsuit, or any other legal matter related to their care, the therapist who authored and signed that report could be pulled into the case. Without firsthand knowledge of the patient’s condition, progress, and outcomes, the substitute therapist may be at a disadvantage in justifying the clinical decisions or summarizing the treatment provided. While it’s permissible for a different therapist to write the discharge report based on existing documentation, it’s important to weigh the potential risks. Ideally, the therapist who evaluated and treated the patient should complete the discharge report. If that’s not possible, practices should implement a clear policy and ensure thorough internal documentation to protect both clinicians and the integrity of patient care.

Patients who began treatment before January 1, 2025 now have a new insurance plan for dates of service on or after that date. A frequent question that arises is whether a new evaluation is required when a patient switches insurance during an ongoing episode of outpatient therapy.

The good news is that in most cases, a new evaluation is not required simply because the patient changed insurance. The key exception is if the new insurance carrier specifically mandates a new evaluation. However, providers should be aware that the new insurance may require prior authorization to continue therapy services, even if a new evaluation is not necessary.

For patients who switch to original Medicare, a new evaluation is not required or appropriate. What is required, however, is a signed and dated plan of care starting from the first date of service billed to Medicare. This plan must be completed by the treating therapist and signed by the referring physician or nonphysician practitioner (NPP) responsible for overseeing the patient’s care. Also, keep in mind that this first visit under Medicare will count as visit one toward the 10-visit minimum progress report period.

If the patient transitions to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, a new evaluation is also not typically required, unless the MA plan has a policy stating otherwise. However, similar to private insurance carriers, prior authorization may be necessary for dates of service under the new plan. It’s crucial to confirm the requirements of the specific MA plan to ensure compliance and avoid reimbursement delays.

In summary, while changing insurance during treatment doesn’t automatically require a new evaluation, it does often involve verifying prior authorization and updating documentation to align with the new payer’s policies. Staying ahead of these administrative steps helps ensure uninterrupted patient care and proper reimbursement.

When treating a patient for one condition, such as neck pain, who later returns with a new physician order for a different issue like shoulder pain, your next steps depend on clinical judgment. If the therapist determines the shoulder condition is related to the neck, a reevaluation may be appropriate. However, if the shoulder issue is completely unrelated, a new evaluation should be performed. Keep in mind that whether a second evaluation is reimbursable depends on the specific insurance carrier. For Medicare beneficiaries, your plan of care will vary based on the referring physician(s). If the same physician referred the patient for both issues, you can create an updated plan of care that includes both conditions and obtain a dated signature from that physician. If two different doctors are involved one for the neck and one for the shoulder—you have two options: either one physician agrees to assume responsibility for both conditions and signs a combined plan of care, or you must maintain two separate plans of care, each with the appropriate physician’s certification and recertification. In such cases, it may be helpful to document separate treatment notes if both conditions are addressed during the same visit. Furthermore, if the neck treatment is billed to Insurance A and the shoulder treatment to Insurance B, the shoulder should be considered a separate episode, requiring a new evaluation and separate medical records for each condition. Proper documentation and compliance with insurance policies are essential to ensure accurate billing and optimal patient care.

As a private practice owner who has chosen to operate out-of-network (OON) with insurance companies, one of the most important billing decisions you’ll face is whether to submit claims to insurers on behalf of your patients or provide them with a superbill for self-submission. If you decide to submit the claim yourself, you have two options: accept assignment or not accept assignment. Accepting assignment means the insurer pays you directly for the portion they cover, and the patient pays only their cost-sharing amount (copay or coinsurance). However, keep in mind that insurers aren’t required to honor assignment and may still send the payment to the patient. If you choose not to accept assignment, the patient pays your full rate upfront, and the insurer reimburses them directly for the covered portion—this is common with PPO plans but may not apply to Medicare Advantage or TRICARE plans. Alternatively, if you don’t want to submit any claims at all, you can either give the patient a superbill or simply charge your cash rate and provide no documentation for reimbursement. A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes essential details like diagnosis codes (ICD-10), service codes (CPT), charges, provider and therapist information, and patient identifiers. This allows the patient to seek reimbursement directly from their insurance carrier.

Your body just did something incredible. But after pregnancy and childbirth, it’s totally normal to feel different. Maybe you’re dealing with back pain, pelvic pressure, etc. The good news? You don’t have to live with those symptoms—postpartum physical therapy can help.
Postpartum physical therapy focuses on helping your body recover from the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. It’s not just for elite athletes or women recovering from C-sections, every new mom can benefit.
Think of it as rehab for your core, pelvic floor, posture, and movement patterns, all of which may have shifted during pregnancy.
You deserve to feel strong, confident, and supported in your body again. Pain, leaking, and core weakness aren’t things you just have to “live with” now that you’ve had a baby. postpartum physical therapy can help you:
• Move without pain
• Restore core and pelvic floor strength
• Feel more like yourself again
Whether your goal is to return to the gym, chase after toddlers, or simply sit and stand comfortably, Physical Therapy helps you get there.

¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 800-481-4582, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

Physical therapy can be incredibly effective in aiding recovery, but it’s essential to stay proactive and continue your self-care practices in between sessions. Here are some self-care tips to help you manage pain, improve mobility, and make the most out of your physical therapy treatment.
Follow Your Home Exercise Program
One of the most important things you can do is to follow the exercises your physical therapist gives you. Doing them regularly, as instructed, helps to reinforce the progress you’re making and can speed up recovery.
Rest and Recover
While staying active is important, it’s also crucial to give your body time to rest, especially after intense therapy sessions. Overloading your body can lead to setbacks.
Practice Proper Posture
Maintaining good posture throughout the day can help prevent unnecessary strain on muscles and joints. Poor posture can worsen pain and affect the progress you’re making in physical therapy.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to keeping muscles flexible and aiding in overall recovery. Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and stiffness, making your rehabilitation process more challenging.

When it comes to physical therapy, most people think of exercises, stretches, and treatments designed to help the body heal from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. But did you know that nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the healing process and optimizing the results of physical therapy? Proper nutrition can not only accelerate recovery but also help prevent further injury, boost energy levels, and improve overall performance.
Protein is a key player when it comes to repairing and rebuilding muscles, especially after injury or surgery. Physical therapy often involves strengthening exercises that challenge the muscles. Consuming an adequate amount of protein can provide the body with the necessary building blocks (amino acids) to rebuild muscle fibers and tissues.
After an injury or surgery, inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Fortunately, certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and promote healing. These key nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, curcumin and ginger.

Physical therapy isn’t just about addressing physical injuries or conditions, it also has a profound impact on mental health. While the primary focus is usually on the body’s physical recovery, the benefits of physical therapy extend beyond just healing muscles, joints, and bones. Research has increasingly shown that physical therapy can also support mental health, helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Here’s how physical therapy can positively influence mental health:
When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins, commonly known as the “feel-good” hormones. Endorphins act as natural painkillers, but they also boost your mood, reduce stress, and promote an overall sense of well-being.

People suffering from anxiety often experience tense muscles, tightness, and an overall sense of physical discomfort. Physical therapy includes targeted exercises that can help release muscle tension, ultimately reducing physical symptoms of anxiety.

Chronic pain or injury can lead to poor sleep, which in turn exacerbates mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Regular physical therapy can help individuals improve their mobility and reduce pain, making it easier for them to get better quality sleep.
¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 800-481-4582, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

Improving posture is essential for reducing strain on the muscles, joints, and ligaments, which can help prevent pain and improve overall body alignment. Here are some practical tips and exercises you can follow to improve posture.
Awareness is key so start by becoming more mindful of your posture throughout the day. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, pay attention to how your body is aligned.
Use Posture Check Reminders, set reminders on your phone or use sticky notes in your workspace to remind yourself to check and correct your posture every hour.
Choose a chair and sit with your back supporting the natural curve of your lower back. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, knees at a right angle, and avoid slumping or leaning forward. Sitting for long periods can lead to poor posture. Stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30-60 minutes to prevent stiffness and maintain good alignment. Proper sleep position benefit in your posture also.
Improving your posture takes time and consistency, but by incorporating these tips and exercises into your daily routine, you can build better posture habits and reduce the risk of discomfort or pain.

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