<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 10.09.17.04" title_num="10" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="17" heading="Covered Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Physical Therapy Program covers medically necessary physical therapy services ordered in writing by a physician, doctor of dental surgery or of dental medicine, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or podiatrist when the services are:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provided by a licensed physical therapist or by a licensed physical therapist assistant under a licensed physical therapist's direct supervision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provided in the provider’s office, the patient’s home, a domiciliary level facility, or via telehealth in accordance with COMAR 10.09.49 or other subregulatory guidance issued by the Department;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Diagnostic, rehabilitative, or therapeutic, and directly related to the written treatment order;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Of sufficient complexity and sophistication, or the condition of the patient is such, that the services of a physical therapist are required;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Rendered pursuant to a written treatment order which:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Is signed and dated by the prescriber;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Specifies the following:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Part or parts to be treated; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Expected results of physical therapy treatments;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Is kept on file by the therapist as a part of the patient's permanent record, subject to review by the Department or its designee; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Is not altered by the therapist unless:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Medically indicated;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Signed by the therapist;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Necessary changes are made;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>The prescriber is notified of the change; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>The change is noted in the patient's record; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Recorded in the patient's permanent record which includes:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The treatment order of the prescriber;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The initial evaluation by the therapist and significant past history;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>All pertinent diagnoses and prognoses;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Contraindications, if any; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Progress notes documented in accordance with the requirements listed in COMAR 10.38.03.02-1A(2), C, and D.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The Physical Therapy Program covers an initial evaluation, on a one-time-only basis, per condition, when the requirements of §A, of this regulation, are met.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the prescribing order exceeds 30 days, the therapist shall request a new order from the prescriber for continued therapy.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>