Aquatic therapy is prescribed by a physician and is medically necessary to treat certain conditions. It is often used to treat arthritis, chronic pain, joint replacement rehabilitation, neurological conditions, and other ailments.
It has proven to be an effective treatment option for seniors with chronic pain or arthritis. Many people who undergo aquatic therapy ask, “Does Medicare cover aquatic therapy?”
Thus, to help answer this question, we’ve compiled some information on Medicare and aquatic therapy below.
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
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Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy or aquatherapy, is a type of physical therapy that uses water to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. The therapist may use various techniques in the water. This includes exercises, massage, and hot/cold water therapy. The type of aquatic therapy that is used will depend on the patient’s individual needs and goals.
Aquatic therapy has been around since 2400 BC. The Egyptians have used aquatic therapy for a variety of purposes due to the numerous benefits it provides.
Here is a look at some of the major benefits of aquatic therapy!
1. Reduced Pain and Stiffness
Aquatic therapy can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles. The water’s buoyancy helps to take pressure off the joints, which can help reduce pain.
2. Improved Flexibility
The water’s resistance can help to improve flexibility and range of motion. It also helps to stretch the muscles and joints, which can help to reduce stiffness.
3. Increased Muscle Strength
The water provides resistance that helps build muscle strength. Moreover, the therapist may also use weights or other devices. This provides additional resistance and helps increase muscle strength.
4. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Aquatic therapy can help to improve cardiovascular health. Aquatherapy helps increase the heart rate and blood circulation. This, in turn, improves the heart’s functioning. It can also help to reduce blood pressure and improve lung function.
5. Improved Balance and Coordination
The water’s resistance can help to improve balance and coordination.
6. Increased Endurance
Aquatic therapy can help to increase endurance by providing a workout that is easy on the joints.
What Does Medicare Cover?
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Medicare is a federal health insurance program covering various seniors’ medical expenses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses. There are some limitations to what it will cover.
In general, Medicare will only cover medically necessary services ordered by a physician. Aquatic therapy is considered a medically necessary service only if a physician prescribes it to treat certain conditions. These conditions include arthritis, chronic pain, joint replacement rehabilitation, neurological conditions, and other ailments.
So, does Medicare cover aquatic therapy?
Does Medicare Cover Aquatic Therapy?
While Medicare does not specifically cover the cost of aquatic therapy, it may cover the cost of other services, under Medicare B, necessary to treat certain conditions. For example, if a physician prescribes aquatic therapy for the treatment of arthritis, Medicare may cover:
- The cost of the therapist’s time,
- the use of the pool, and
- other related expenses.
It is important to note that Medicare will only cover medically necessary services. Services that are not considered necessary will not be covered by Medicare.
You should visit a doctor’s office to inquire about reimbursement for aquatic therapy services, as each case is unique. You can search online for medicare doctors near you to find the nearest one that can help you with your specific aquatic therapy needs.
How Much Does Medicare Cover Aquatic Therapy?
The Medicare part B deductible will be $233. After meeting this year’s deductible, you will pay 20% of outpatient therapy costs, subject to Medicare approval.
With Original Medicare, some rules may restrict how much it will pay for services a doctor or therapist provides. This could be an amount that is less than what the professional would charge.
Even so, you should remember that there is no maximum limit for how much Medicare will pay for any medically necessary outpatient therapy services during the entire year. If you are under a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs for therapy will depend on the extent of coverage included in your specific plan.
You can visit the nearest doctor office to inquire about reimbursement for aquatic therapy services.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible for Medicare coverage, your doctor must determine that aquatic therapy is necessary for your treatment. Additionally, the therapy must be provided by a licensed therapist. It should also take place in a therapeutic pool that meets Medicare’s standards.
If these requirements are met, Medicare will cover up to 80% of the cost of aquatic therapy. It can be covered under Medicare Part B if it meets all coverage requirements.
What Other Physical Treatments Are Covered by Medicare?
Other physical treatments that Medicare covers include:
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy services that are considered medically necessary and ordered by a physician are covered by Medicare. This includes services such as exercises, stretching, and massage.
2. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy services include services such as exercises, stretching, and massage. It helps people with physical, developmental, or psychological conditions regain the skills necessary to perform everyday activities.
3. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy helps people with communication disorders, such as those caused by a stroke, regain their ability to speak.
Medicare will only cover services that are considered medically necessary. Services that are not considered necessary, such as cosmetic procedures, will not be covered by Medicare.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped explain what Medicare does and does not cover regarding aquatic therapy. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
Q: What is aquatic therapy?
A: Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy that takes place in water. It can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as arthritis, injuries, and chronic pain.
Q: How much does Medicare cover aquatic therapy?
A: The Medicare part B deductible will be $233. After meeting this year’s deductible, you will pay 20% of outpatient therapy costs, subject to Medicare approval
Q: What are the eligibility criteria?
A: To be eligible for Medicare coverage, your doctor must determine that aquatic therapy is necessary for your treatment. Additionally, the therapy must be provided by a licensed therapist.
