Which requirement must be met for therapy to qualify for coverage under Medicare?

To qualify for coverage under Medicare, therapy must indeed be prescribed by a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). This requirement ensures that the therapy is deemed medically necessary and is part of a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at addressing the patient's specific health needs. The prescription from a qualified physician establishes the legitimacy of the treatment, ensuring that it aligns with Medicare's criteria for coverage, which is focused on medically necessary services.

Other options may seem reasonable at a glance, but they do not meet the established criteria for Medicare coverage. For instance, proof of effective treatment from the first session is not a requirement for continuing coverage. Therapy also does not have to exclusively focus on physical rehabilitation, as it can encompass a range of services including occupational and speech therapy. Furthermore, while patient agreement is important for compliance with treatment plans, it is not a mandated criterion for coverage under Medicare. Thus, the prescription by an MD or DO stands as the fundamental requirement for therapy services to qualify for Medicare coverage.