The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has provided temporary direction regarding California Children’s Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Programs (MTP) because of COVID-19. CCS MTPs can provide physical and occupational therapy services in non-school settings. County CCS MTPs should implement telehealth methods to allow therapists to provide remove consultation and treatment for routine therapy and equipment needs.
Prior authorization requirements for physical therapy and occupational therapy are temporarily suspended. However, Treatment Authorization Requests and Service Authorization Requests are still required. Providers are instructed to state “Patient impacted by COVID-19” in the TAR or SAR. Providers must still provide supporting documentation of medical necessity.
MTCs should be held remotely instead of face-to-face conferences. Prescriptions for durable medical equipment that expire during the COVID-19 state of emergency can be extended without a face-to-face meeting with the physician. (DHCS notice, April 23, 2020, revised April 29, 2020.)