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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.
Feb 1, 2021 / 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
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.
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.
Jun 12, 2020 / News
A bipartisan bill in the House would allow CMS to avoid damaging cuts in 2021 and establish permanent telehealth for therapy providers.
Jun 3, 2020 / News
BCBS of Tennessee will now include telehealth services even after the COVID-19 health emergency ends.
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.