Skip to main content

It's not enough to ask if telehealth is permitted by a state agency or payer: You need to ask specific questions to understand what you can and can't do.

It's not enough to ask if telehealth is permitted by a state agency or payer: You need to ask specific questions to understand what you can and can't do.

As the coronavirus pandemic worsens, PTs and PTAs are looking for answers around what they can and can't do in terms of telehealth. APTA's advice: Get the right answers by asking the right questions.

According to Alice Bell, PT, DPT, APTA senior payment specialist, in addition to federal-level changes around digital communications with patients, the telehealth environment is also evolving rapidly at both the private payer and state regulatory levels.

"Right now, there's a great deal of confusion around the coverage of telehealth when provided by physical therapists," Bell said. "Some broad policies and federal and state legislation may be interpreted as including physical therapists even though this is not explicitly stated."

Daniel Markels, APTA state affairs manager, says that miscommunication can make matters worse.

"If a PT calls a payer and asks if telehealth is covered, the payer may say yes not knowing that it's a PT asking the question or what codes the physical therapist intends to bill," Markels said.

That's why APTA recommends that, besides having a solid understanding of the limitations in state licensure scopes and relevant state and federal laws, PTs ask the following questions when communicating with a payer or state agency about whether telehealth is permitted for physical therapist services:

  • Will services provided by physical therapists (and PTAs working under the direction and supervision of the PT) be covered when provided via telehealth?
  • If so, what codes should be billed and what modifiers are required?
  • What device(s) or application(s) can be utilized?
  • What, if any, consents are required?
  • Are there any special documentation requirements?

 


You Might Also Like...

News

APTA State Chapters Fuel Legislative Wins in 2025

Aug 6, 2025

As the 2025 legislative season has come to a close in most states, many APTA chapters achieved significant victories that improve payment, address provider

Article

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities Open Through Aug. 31

Aug 4, 2025

APTA is powered by members who step up, speak out, and drive the profession forward. Volunteering is not only a chance to influence the future of physical

News

APTA's Ongoing Advocacy on Payment Reform

Aug 4, 2025

Patients and providers are frustrated and angry. A broken Medicare system has failed to deliver high-quality care and provide needed payment levels so