What are the timing requirements for certification and re-certification for outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology services?
Certification The certification is to be obtained at the time the plan of treatment is established or as soon thereafter as possible. When services are continued under the same plan of treatment, the physician must re-certify at intervals of at least once every 30 days that there is a continuing need for such services and estimate how long services are needed. (Reference: CMS PUB 9 (Outpatient), Section 270.1) Re-certification When outpatient therapy services are continued under the same plan of treatment for a period of time, the physician must re-certify at intervals of at least once every 90 days that there is a continuing need for such services and estimate how long services are needed. The physician who reviews the plan of treatment signs the re-certifications. The form of the re-certification and the manner of obtaining timely re-certification is up to the individual facility and/or practitioner.
