June 8, 2020

Effective April 16, 2020, TRICARE has approved Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) as TRICARE-authorized providers under the supervision of a TRICARE-authorized, licensed and registered physical therapist or occupational therapist in accordance with Medicare’s rules for supervision and qualification.

Per TRICARE guidelines, PTAs and OTAs may not:

• Provide an initial examination
• Provide an evaluation
• Provide a re-evaluation and/or assessment
• Establish a diagnosis
• Establish a plan of care

When submitting claims, please follow these guidelines:

• Use the CQ modifier when submitting claims for services performed in whole or in part by a PTA
• Use the CO modifier when submitting claims for services performed in whole or in part by an OTA