Does G0160 require prior authorization?

Yes, G0160 requires prior authorization (high confidence). Code explicitly requires prior authorization.

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for G0160?

Medicare facility rate: N/A. Non-facility rate: N/A. Work RVU: 0.00.

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`G0160`, Services performed by a qualified occupational therapist, in the home health

HCPCS/CPT

Prior Authorization

Prior Auth Required

Code explicitly requires prior authorization (high confidence)

Medicare Pricing

Work RVU

0.00

Facility

N/A

Non-Facility

N/A

Documentation Required

An updated and completed OASIS M2200 for the billing period must be in the patient's medical record and made available to the Medicare Administrative Contractor upon request to support medical necessity for therapy services.

Medical records must document which modalities and specific procedures were performed for each therapy visit and be available to the MAC upon request.

When multiple heating modalities are provided the same date of service, documentation of the medical necessity for multiple modalities must be present in the medical record.

For CPT 97032 include the type of electrical stimulation (manual/attended), treatment area(s), objective strength ratings and functional deficits if used for muscle weakness, and pain rating/location/effect on function if used for pain.

For unattended electrical stimulation (G0283) documentation must show intact nerve supply and objective and/or subjective improvements in swelling and/or pain within 12 visits, or document reasons for continued use or change of plan if no improvement.

Documentation for wheelchair management (CPT 97542) must relate propulsion and transfer training to expected, attainable functional goals.

Key Coverage Criteria

Occupational therapy is covered for patients with migraine (G43.xx) who require training to reduce pain during basic and instrumental activities of daily living, typically completed in 3–4 sessions.
Electrical stimulation (attended CPT 97032 or unattended HCPCS G0283) may be covered as part of a therapy plan of care to improve function when the nerve supply to the muscle is intact and atrophy is due to non-neurological disuse (e.g., post-casting, splinting, soft-tissue scarring).
Wheelchair management training (CPT 97542) is covered for patient and/or caregiver training in transfers and propulsion when documentation ties the training to attainable functional goals.
Therapeutic exercise (CPT 97110) is covered when used to address impairments of exercise tolerance due to cardiopulmonary impairments.
Range of motion testing (CPT 95851) may be used for extremity ROM when every joint of the extremity is tested and documentation explains why such comprehensive assessment was warranted.
Occupational therapists may recertify home health patients under a plan of care if services meet CMS occupational therapy definitions and the patient's home health eligibility is established by prior need for skilled nursing (not solely venipuncture), speech-language pathology, or physical therapy in the current or prior certification period.

11 Active Policies

ANTHEM-CG-REHAB-12, Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services in the Home Setting: Physical Medicine/Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology

ANTHEM-CG-MED-23, Home Health

EVICORE-HPLAN-AETNA-EEDE1D947485, Aetna Home Health Code List - Effective 01/01/2026

EVICORE-HPLAN-CIGNA_MEDICARE-7E679040BEBB, Cigna Medicare Advantage Home Health Code List - Effective 01/01/2025

EVICORE-HPLAN-THE_HEALTH_PLAN-E178D78B53BA, The Health Plan MSK PTOT Code List - Effective 01/01/2026

A53057, Billing and Coding: Home Health Occupational Therapy

AETNA-CPB-0250, Occupational Therapy

BCBSIL-THE803.010, Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Services

BCBSMT-THE803.010, Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Services

BCBSNM-THE803.010, Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Services

BCBSOK-THE803.010, Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) Services

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G0160, Services performed by a qualified occupational therapist, in the home health