CHAMPVADoctors

CHAMPVA Physical Therapists

Physical therapy is the covered answer to a lot of CHAMPVA questions: after surgery, after an injury, and for the back and neck pain that families would otherwise take to a chiropractor CHAMPVA will not pay for.

A physical therapist guides a patient through a knee rehabilitation exercise

What a physical therapist does

Physical therapists restore movement and reduce pain through exercise, manual therapy, and training. They treat recovery from surgery and injury, back and neck pain, balance problems, and chronic conditions such as arthritis.

What CHAMPVA covers for physical therapy

Medically necessary physical therapy is covered outpatient care under CHAMPVA with the standard deductible and 25 percent cost share. Physical therapy is not on the VA's preauthorization list and no referral is required by CHAMPVA, although some states require a physician's order for extended therapy under their own practice laws. Therapy provided by a hospital-based rehab department falls under the Medicare hospital rule.

Before you book: Hospital-affiliated outpatient rehab departments are the surest bet, because the hospital rule applies. For private clinics, ask billing whether they file with CHAMPVA and whether they accept the allowable amount as payment in full.

Find physical therapists who can bill CHAMPVA, by state

Pick your state. The search opens with the Physical therapy filter already selected and shows real practice locations from the federal NPPES registry, with street addresses and local phone numbers. Then call with the 20-second script to confirm CHAMPVA.

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Common questions

Does CHAMPVA cover physical therapy?

Yes. Medically necessary physical therapy is covered outpatient care, and it does not appear on the VA's preauthorization list.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy under CHAMPVA?

CHAMPVA does not require one. Some states require a physician's order for extended therapy under their own practice rules, so the clinic may ask for one.

How much does physical therapy cost with CHAMPVA?

After the $50 yearly deductible, you pay 25 percent of the allowable amount per visit, and every dollar counts toward the $3,000 family cap.

Related guides

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Sources

General information, not medical or insurance advice. Coverage rules are set by the VA and federal regulation and can change; confirm with CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387 before treatment.