Understanding 8-Minute Rule for Therapists
Introduction The therapy 8-minute rule is a vital concept for therapists, specifically in the context of billing Medicare or Medicaid for their services. This rule allows therapists to calculate the appropriate number of billable units based on the duration of direct contact therapeutic services provided to a patient. Understanding the 8-minute rule is essential to avoid billing errors, delays in reimbursement, audits, and underbilling. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the therapy 8-minute rule, its application in therapy billing, and how to calculate billable units accurately. What is the Therapy 8-Minute Rule? The therapy 8-minute rule refers to the method used by therapists, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists, to determine the number of billable units for Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement. It applies to timed services where therapists provide one-on-one sessions with patients for at least eight minutes. Since t