The plan requires a PA when the requested PT exceeds the allowed number of visits per benefit period, when the case is post‑operative with progressive intensity (risk of high utilization), or when interventions include repeated manual therapy and therapeutic exercise that the insurer flags for review. The insurer’s policy also mandates documentation of objective deficits, prior conservative treatment, and a time‑limited, measurable POC showing expected functional gains — absence of these triggers a PA requirement.
📋 One‑line PA justification (to paste into a portal)
“Requesting prior authorization for outpatient PT due to post‑operative left shoulder repair with objectively limited ROM, pain limiting ADLs, and proposed skilled PT (97110, 97140) exceeding plan visit limits; supporting docs attached (PT eval, POC, surgeon note, prior conservative care).”
🧾 Key documentation to attach (minimal submission package)
- PT evaluation with objective ROM/strength and validated functional scores.
- Plan of Care (frequency, duration, measurable goals, skilled interventions).
- Surgeon/consult note confirming procedure and post‑op timeline.
- Progress/physician notes or prior conservative care showing inadequate home program response.
- Relevant imaging (if it supports severity or surgical intervention).
✅ PA request details
- ICD‑10: M75.121 (left rotator cuff).
- CPTs requested: 97161 (eval), 97110 (therapeutic exercise), 97140 (manual therapy).
- Visits requested: 12 visits over 6–8 weeks.
- Objective goal: Increase active forward flexion from 60° to 140°; decrease pain from 6/10 to ≤2/10; return to independent overhead ADLs.
📞 Two‑line call script to confirm with payer
“Hello — verifying benefits for this UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus member: does this plan require prior authorization for outpatient PT when requesting 12 visits for post‑operative shoulder rehab (CPTs 97110, 97140)? What documentation is required and what’s the fax/portal for submission?”
Would you like me to generate a one‑page PA narrative using the example details above that your team can paste into the payer portal?