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Telehealth shouldn't be for emergencies only.
The COVID-19 pandemic is making it clear: the use of telehealth by PTs and PTAs is not only appropriate, but effective in delivering effective care and expanding patient access to that care. Telehealth in physical therapy shouldn't be an emergency-only option.
Why It Matters
It's all about patient access. Telehealth provided by PTs and PTAs has been proven to produce good outcomes with little to no patient risk. Members of the physical therapy profession are trained to understand when telehealth is appropriate, and the technologies to support telehealth at both the patient and provider ends are easy to acquire.
Our Position
APTA strongly supports legislative and regulatory changes that permit PTs and PTAs to provide services via telehealth such as the Expanded Telehealth Access Act. This bipartisan bill permanently lists physical therapist and physical therapy assistants as authorized practitioners of telehealth under the Medicare program. The Public Health Emergency exemplified the need for patient choices when it comes to care. Now is the time to enact telehealth reforms.
Recommended Content
Mar 24, 2021 / Open Access
Access templated letters to advocate for maintaining telehealth policies for physical therapist services once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
Jun 7, 2020
Use of telehealth is rapidly expanding; make sure you know the requirements.
Mar 22, 2024 / Position Paper
This position paper outlines APTA's support of the Expanded Telehealth Access Act that would add PTs and PTAs in private practice, and facility-based outpatient therapy settings as permanent authorized providers of telehealth under the Medicare program.
Additional Telehealth Advocacy Content
Sep 19, 2023 / Roundup
For Telehealth Awareness Week, here's a quick look at some of APTA's telehealth-related initiatives, resources, and advocacy.
Jul 14, 2023 / News
Cuts continue, but APTA's advocacy helped spark positive movement related to PTA supervision, code values, and more.
Jun 14, 2023 / Roundup
The year isn't even half over, and the association has already scored some major victories for the profession (and teed up a few more).
Jun 7, 2023 / News
In light of telehealth’s effectiveness during the PHE, this longtime APTA advocacy goal could be within reach.
May 22, 2023 / News
APTA pressed for the changes, which now allow PTs in SNFs, home health, and rehab agencies to continue providing telehealth under Medicare.
May 15, 2023 / News
APTA and other organizations continue to push for clarification in a range of other facility settings.
Apr 14, 2023 / News
APTA's outreach sparked the change, to be made official in July. Until then, denied claims should be resubmitted.
Mar 29, 2023 / Article
Don't let the May 11 end of the PHE take you by surprise: Here's a rundown of where things will stand — and how you might be affected.
Feb 8, 2023 / News
The association's public policy priorities are aimed at unleashing physical therapy's potential to take on pressing health care challenges.
Dec 20, 2022 / News
The omnibus package provides insufficient relief, but it does include several wins for the profession in other areas.