LAW
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Ohio Laws and Rules
(A) “Physical therapy” means the evaluation and treatment of a person by physical measures and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating any disability. Physical therapy includes the establishment and modification of physical therapy programs, treatment planning, instruction and consultative services. Physical measures include massage, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, and the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to such treatment. Physical therapy does not include the diagnosis of a patient’s disability, the use of Roentgen rays or radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, or the use of electricity for cauterization or other surgical purposes. Physical therapy includes physiotherapy.
(B) Physical therapy (or physiotherapy) treatment may be rendered only upon the prescription of, or the referral by, the doctor of record who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery, dentistry or podiatry, or by a consultant in an industrial claim, who has the same qualifications.
(C) Fees for physical therapy (or physiotherapy) used for treatment of the allowed conditions shall be approved only to such licensed practitioners who hold a valid license to practice physical therapy (or physiotherapy) as physical therapists (or physiotherapists) or as physical therapist assistants.
(D) Fees, as described in paragraph (C) of this rule shall not be approved for more than ten treatments, unless authorized in advance by the bureau, by the industrial commission, or by a self-insuring employer in self-insuring employers’ claims. In justifiable cases where the treatments have exceeded ten without prior approval, the case shall be referred to the medical section for a review and possible approval.
(E) Authorization for additional physiotherapy treatment must be requested, in advance, by a doctor of record or a consultant. Such request shall contain, but will not be limited to, the following information:
(1) An outline as to what has been accomplished by the physiotherapy treatment rendered.
(2) The reason for the necessity of further physiotherapy treatment, considered in light of the allowed industrial condition.
(3) The number of additional treatments which are anticipated.
(F) Additional fees for physiotherapy in cases covered by a flat fee are not approved without specific authorization.
HISTORY: Eff 1-1-78
Rule promulgated under: RC Chapter 119.
Rule amplifies: RC 4121.121, 4121.30, 4121.31 in conjunction with 4123.66 and 4755.40 to 4755.50