By providing physical therapy services via telehealth, therapists have ensured seniors and other at-risk patient populations can manage their pain, regain strength, and enhance mobility — all while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, preventing costly hospitalizations, and reducing unnecessary strain on the healthcare system during the public health emergency (PHE).

During the PHE, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services increased access to physical therapy for Medicare beneficiaries through telehealth-based services. However, this expansion is not permanent. 

The Expanded Telehealth Access Act of 2021 (H.R. 2168/S. 3193) would make permanent the temporary policy that allows physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to deliver and bill for services provided via telehealth under Medicare. This bipartisan legislation specifically includes physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Urge your lawmakers to support this important piece of legislation!