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    March 17, 2026

    Aetna Announces Major Change for Physical Therapy Services

    Effective June 17, 2025, Aetna eliminates physician referral requirements and prior authorization for outpatient physical therapy services.

    Aetna Announces Major Change for Physical Therapy Services

    Physical Therapy Now is excited to share a significant development from Aetna that will streamline access to essential physical therapy care for many patients. Beginning June 17, 2025, Aetna plans to remove the requirement for a physician referral to initiate outpatient physical therapy services. This change signifies a move towards greater patient autonomy and quicker intervention when musculoskeletal pain or functional limitations arise.

    Furthermore, Aetna will also eliminate prior authorization for outpatient physical therapy. This crucial update means that patients will no longer face potential delays or denials of care while waiting for insurance pre-approval. This simplification will allow individuals to begin their rehabilitation journey sooner, addressing issues promptly and preventing them from becoming more severe.

    At Physical Therapy Now, we are committed to making your path to recovery as smooth and efficient as possible. This upcoming policy change by Aetna aligns with our core philosophy of providing accessible, high-quality care. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions about how these changes might benefit your immediate or future healthcare needs.

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