In the wake of a crackdown on billing by hospitals and other providers for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), TRICARE has done a 180 and is opening the door to reimbursement for services provided by OTAs and PTAs. A Dec. 20 proposed regulation said TRICARE would cover services provided by OTAs and PTAs to improve access for its beneficiaries.

“This rule proposes to extend coverage of PT and OT services, as required by NDAA-18, to include services provided by licensed or certified physical or occupational therapy assistants operating under the supervision of a TRICARE-authorized physical therapist or occupational therapist,” the Department of Defense noted in a proposed rule published in the Federal Register.