Respiratory Therapy (Respiratory Care)

Medicare covers respiratory therapy services (assessment, diagnostic testing, bronchial hygiene, ventilatory support, pulmonary rehabilitation, monitoring) when prescribed by a physician/NPP and documented as medically necessary, requiring the skills of a licensed respiratory therapist where appropriate. Coverage excludes generalized group education, routine exercise without skilled care documentation, and services unreasonable in modality, amount, frequency, or duration; ventilatory muscle training is covered only for select patients with significantly decreased respiratory muscle strength after optimal therapy.

"Respiratory therapy services prescribed by a physician or non-physician practitioner for assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, management, or monitoring of deficiencies or abnormalities of ..."

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