PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 28
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN IMPROVING MOBILITY, STRENGTH, AND FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE

Physical Therapy Services in Alabama are designed to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in improving movement, strength, coordination, and physical function necessary for independent living. These services are delivered by licensed physical therapists and are authorized under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers. All services must follow protocols set by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) and meet federal Medicaid standards for clinical care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Approves physical therapy service providers, sets care standards, and monitors therapeutic outcomes

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment, billing, and reimbursement for Physical Therapy Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure all therapeutic services meet HCBS waiver program requirements

2. PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Physical Therapy Services focus on the evaluation and treatment of physical limitations that interfere with an individual's ability to perform daily activities, remain mobile, and safely navigate their environment. These services are based on the individual’s person-centered service plan and may include:

Comprehensive physical therapy evaluations
Development of individualized therapy goals
Therapeutic exercises to improve strength, balance, and coordination
Gait training and mobility enhancement
Fall prevention education
Use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices
Training for caregivers on physical support techniques

All services must be medically necessary and documented according to ADMH and Medicaid guidelines.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Employ or contract a Licensed Physical Therapist (PT) and/or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Maintain a HIPAA-compliant office or therapy setting
Establish clinical documentation systems aligned with Medicaid billing
Implement procedures for evaluations, treatment planning, and outcome tracking

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Physical Therapy Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a clinical program model with therapy processes, staff credentials, and documentation samples
Include safety protocols, HIPAA policies, and therapeutic treatment plan samples

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for all therapy and administrative staff
Proof of active Alabama licensure for PTs and PTAs
Evidence of clinical experience in developmental disability services and rehabilitation

Program Readiness Review:

Review of therapy logs, evaluation templates, and documentation practices
Assessment of data collection procedures and outcome measurement tools
Confirmation of compliance with privacy laws, safety protocols, and therapy supervision standards

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of Physical Therapy Services
Add appropriate CPT/HCPCS billing codes to your Medicaid profile

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Proof of office space or mobile therapy documentation
Alabama licensure and insurance coverage for therapy staff
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Referral, evaluation, and therapy planning processes
- Documentation and billing protocols
- Supervision of therapy assistants (if applicable)
- Client confidentiality and informed consent procedures
- Emergency protocols and safety guidelines
- Progress monitoring, discharge planning, and reassessment processes
Signed service agreements and physical therapy consent forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Licensed Physical Therapist (PT)Requirements: Doctorate or Master's degree in Physical Therapy; Alabama state license; clinical experience with IDD populations preferred

Role: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) (optional)Requirements: Associate degree in PTA; Alabama certification; supervised by licensed PT

All staff must complete:

ADMH orientation and HCBS Waiver training
Annual ethics, documentation, and therapeutic safety training
Continuing education to maintain licensure and enhance disability-specific care practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alabama Medicaid Waivers authorize Physical Therapy Services: