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Telehealth shouldn't be for emergencies only.

The COVID-19 pandemic made 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

Ways to Advocate for Expansion of Telehealth Services

Mar 24, 2021 / Open Access

Telehealth in Practice

Jun 7, 2020

Use of telehealth is rapidly expanding; make sure you know the requirements.

Position Paper: Expanded Telehealth Access Act of 2023

Mar 22, 2024 / Position Paper


Additional Telehealth Advocacy Content

Four Ways APTA Helps Members Thrive in the Digital Space

Sep 19, 2023 / Roundup

For Telehealth Awareness Week, here's a quick look at some of APTA's telehealth-related initiatives, resources, and advocacy.

Takeaways From the Proposed 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Part 1

Jul 14, 2023 / News

Cuts continue, but APTA's advocacy helped spark positive movement related to PTA supervision, code values, and more.

APTA Advocacy: Getting Results

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).

APTA-Endorsed Bill Would Make Telehealth for PTs, PTAs Permanent Under Medicare

Jun 7, 2023 / News

In light of telehealth’s effectiveness during the PHE, this longtime APTA advocacy goal could be within reach.

Big Win: CMS Extends Temporary Telehealth Use to All Facility-Based Settings

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.

CMS Listens to APTA, Reverses Course, OKs Hospital Use of Telehealth Post-PHE

May 15, 2023 / News

APTA and other organizations continue to push for clarification in a range of other facility settings.

CMS Corrects RTM Code Denials Made in Error

Apr 14, 2023 / News

APTA's outreach sparked the change, to be made official in July. Until then, denied claims should be resubmitted.

The End of the Public Health Emergency: What You Need to Know

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.

APTA's Advocacy Road Map: Empowerment for the Profession, Results for Patients

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.

Final Spending Bill Falls Short in Offsetting Fee Schedule Cuts

Dec 20, 2022 / News

The omnibus package provides insufficient relief, but it does include several wins for the profession in other areas.