Occupational Therapy

TRICARE covers occupational therapy when it’s:

  • Prescribed and supervised by any of the following professionals:
    • A physician
    • A certified physician assistant supervised by a physician
    • A certified nurse practitioner
    • A podiatrist
  • Professionally administered to improve, restore, or maintain function or to minimize or prevent deterioration of function

TRICARE doesn’t cover the occupational therapy services below. This list isn’t all-inclusive.

  • Vocational assessment and training
  • General exercise programs
  • Separate charges for instruction of the patient and family in therapy procedures
  • Repetitive exercise to improve gait, maintain strength and endurance, or assist walking
  • Maintenance therapy that doesn’t require a skilled level after a therapy program has been designed
  • Range of motion and passive exercises that aren’t related to restoration of a specific loss of function
  • Sensory integration therapy that may be considered a part of cognitive rehabilitation

Contact your regional contractor for specific exclusions to the occupational therapy benefit.

Disclaimer:

This list of covered services isn’t all-inclusive. TRICARE covers services that are and considered proven. Some services have special rules or limits, and some services are excluded. Learn how a benefit becomes covered.

Last Updated 5/5/2025