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Telehealth shouldn't be for emergencies only.
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 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 improve the ability of PTs and PTAs to provide services via telehealth.
Recommended Content
Mar 1, 2020 / Position Paper
The bill would increase patient access to care, especially for those living in rural and underserved areas and for individuals with impaired mobility.
Jun 7, 2020
Use of telehealth is rapidly expanding; make sure you know the requirements.
Jul 2, 2020 / Open Access
Access templated letters to advocate for maintaining telehealth policies for physical therapist services once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
Additional Telehealth Advocacy Content
Apr 29, 2020 / Article
Justin Elliott, APTA vice president of government affairs discusses what’s happening in Congress, what’s to come, and what APTA is doing to advocate on behalf of the profession.
Apr 17, 2020 / News
APTA is urging lawmakers to look at both short- and long-term solutions.
Nov 1, 2019 / News
Companion bills in the US Senate and House of Representatives could open the doors to wider use of telehealth in Medicare,
Aug 21, 2019 / News
Our take on a proposed pilot project from the FCC to increase the delivery of telehealth to rural and low-income Americans.
Dec 1, 2018 / Column
Do you want to provide physical therapist services in more than 1 state? The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact may help you achieve your goal.
Oct 29, 2018 / News
In a proposed rule, CMS gives the green light to expand coverage for telehealth in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. But when—and if—those changes would affect PTs remains an open question.
May 11, 2018 / News
The VA is following through on a proposal to dramatically expand the use of telehealth services across state lines for VA beneficiaries.
Dec 1, 2017 / Feature
How is technology altering physical therapist practice? APTA's new FiRST Council provides some insight.