Ohio Administrative Code
Title 4123 - Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Chapter 4123-6 - Health Partnership Program
Section 4123-6-30 - Payment for physical medicine
Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(A) "Physical medicine" is the evaluation and treatment of an injured worker by physical measures and the use of rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating any work related disability. Physical medicine includes the establishment and modification of physical rehabilitation programs, treatment planning, instruction, and consultative services. "Physical measures" include massage, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, manipulation, and the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to such treatment. Physical medicine 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 medicine includes, but not limited to, chiropractic treatments, physiotherapy, and physical therapy.
(B) Physical medicine must be prescribed by the physician of record or other approved treating provider licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, mechanotherapy, dentistry, podiatry, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist, nursing clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, certified nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Physical medicine may be provided in the physician's office or referred to another licensed provider.
(C) To be eligible for reimbursement, physical medicine services must be provided by a physician or chiropractic physician, or a physical therapist, occupational therapist, massage therapist, athletic trainer, or other qualified non-physician provider practicing within the scope of their license, certification, or registration.
(D) Fees for up to twelve physical medicine treatments within sixty days following the date of injury may be reimbursed without prior authorization, provided the treatments are for allowed soft tissue and musculoskeletal conditions in allowed claims and the criteria set forth in paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(3) of rule 4123-6-16.2 of the Administrative Code are met. Otherwise, physical medicine treatment must be prior authorized.
