Outpatient Physical Therapy/Outpatient Speech Pathology

Outpatient physical therapy and speech pathology are physical therapy and speech-language pathology services provided to an individual as an outpatient by a clinic, rehabilitation agency, or a public health agency, or by others under an arrangement with and the supervision of such providers.

OPT/SPs are not state licensed. OPT/SPs may be accredited or certified to participate in the federal Medicare Program. 

Provider Certification

The Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services directs state health agencies or other appropriate agencies to determine if health care entities meet federal standards. This helping function is termed "provider certification." Health Care Regulation staff are responsible for providing certification oversight on behalf of CMS for OPT/SPs.

For more information on the certification process, refer to our Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Information page, or contact your regional office (PDF).

Medicare Resources

Related Resources