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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.
Apr 27, 2021 / 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
Jun 9, 2021 / Article
APTA's monthly advocacy and regulatory update covers multiple topics from the perspective of what's happened, what's hot right now, and what to keep an eye on in the future. In this episode: lawmakers focus on the PTA differential, a big telehealth win, a bill to relieve administrative burden in Medicare Advantage, and more.
Jun 2, 2021 / News
UHC is the first major insurer to keep telehealth for PTs beyond the public health emergency. Here are the codes that will be covered.
May 26, 2021 / News
UHC is the first of the largest insurers to make the move advocated by APTA.
Apr 21, 2021 / Roundup
Lots of payers with multiple plans mean the conversation never stops. Here are a few advocacy efforts that APTA is pursuing.
Apr 14, 2021 / Article
This episode: telehealth legislation, information blocking, and more.
Mar 24, 2021 / News
If signed into law, the APTA-backed bill would achieve a major association goal. Contact Congress now to voice your support.
Feb 23, 2021 / Roundup
The fight to improve direct access continues, use of the licensure compact grows, and telehealth is being discussed just about everywhere.
May 24, 2021 / Members Only
Dec 2, 2020 / Review
The final rule highlights the need for legislative action to give CMS more latitude in budgets and telehealth.
Jun 15, 2020 / Roundup
An emergency regulatory relief order is an opportunity to share our ideas on making lasting change at several federal agencies.