Physical Therapy for Medicare is REALLY hard to find for Seniors

[Yori2019]

Hello:
For the past weeks, I called several Physical Therapy for my 'Degenerative Disk' along with Scoliosis, however it's SO hard to find one. One of three PTs said they accepts Medicare and my BCBS asking my name and telephone # to call me back. As of today, I never got one.

I live in a big city where there are a plenty of PTs, then it's very disappointing to know most of PTs do not accept Medicare and BCBS(Fed.).

Any opinions would be truly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[CeeCee]

I got physical therapy for a frozen shoulder/arm.....but first I had to get an X-ray and MRI...and everything is referred through my PCP

So they already know who takes my supplemental insurance. I never call anyone ...they call me after getting the call from my PCP.

Anyway I got about two months of PT going twice a week...it fixed my frozen arm/shoulder.

My co pay was $10 each visit.

Also...it’s not my Medicare that paid for the PT but my supplemental.

 

[retiredtraveler]

......Also...it’s not my Medicare that paid for the PT but my supplemental.

Yes. But unless I misunderstand, the provider has to take Medicare first. You can't substitute. If they don't take Medicare, they can't take the supplement.

 

[CeeCee]

Yes. But unless I misunderstand, the provider has to take Medicare first. You can't substitute. If they don't take Medicare, they can't take the supplement.

You could be right..I don’t know. I’m always asked for my supplemental card..never my Medicare.

I have part A and B in Medicare...think I pay $125 for part B..might be a little more this year, not sure.

 

[Yori2019]

You could be right..I don’t know. I’m always asked for my supplemental card..never my Medicare.

I have part A and B in Medicare...think I pay $125 for part B..might be a little more this year, not sure.

Thanks for the responses.

I, too have MRI and X-ray done by the specialist and have a script for PT. As to Insurance, all of medical facilities asking me both Medicare and BCBS cards to verify. Not only BCBS(federal) card.

I'm guessing that there is some restriction for Medicare, i.e. a number of PT visits. Most likely, most or all of PTs want more than Medicare-policy, since in my case, Degenerative Disk with Scoliosis which require a long-run treatment with frequent weekly visits, like three times per week.

 

[CeeCee]

Thanks for the responses.

I, too have MRI and X-ray done by the specialist and have a script for PT. As to Insurance, all of medical facilities asking me both Medicare and BCBS cards to verify. Not only BCBS(federal) card.

I'm guessing that there is some restriction for Medicare, i.e. a number of PT visits. Most likely, most or all of PTs want more than Medicare-policy, since in my case, Degenerative Disk with Scoliosis which require a long-run treatment with frequent weekly visits, like three times per week.

At first I got only about 6 weeks but PT said I needed more so it was added....don’t know who did the calling about it but it’s never me.

I also have lower back problems very similar to yours....guess I could ask for PT for it but I haven’t yet.

I also realized that most of the things I did for my shoulder/arm when at PT could be done at home watching YouTube. Only need a stretch band and something like a broom handle.

Good luck!!

Forgot to add that PT also massaged my shoulder a few times and did the TENS machine but I didn’t like that so refused it.

You should go a few times if they pay and see what they do and if you aren’t given more treatments...first ask and then see if you can find similar to do at home.

 

[Mollypops]

Yori, I worked as a PT for almost 40 years of my life. In the last half of my career I worked for a large agency called Medstar. Now this information is coming from a Physical Therapist and not the Insurance Billing person in my office, but the way I thought it worked is we most certainly took Medicare and billed for the therapy we provided. I as the therapist had to provide Medicare therapy updates on the patients progress for payments. What was not covered by Medicare was picked up usually by the patients secondary insurance. So my advice is first go to your Primary Doctor and get a referral for an X-Ray or MRI. Get that done and then talk over the results and findings with your Primary Doctor and then get the referral from there to Physical Therapy and choose a larger practice such as a Medstar which should be located in your area since you said you are in a larger city. I hope this helps.

 

[Patnono]

Have you called your insurance company? Tell them you're problem? They've helped me with things like that..