APTA is endorsing legislation to ensure that Medicare coverage of telehealth is made permanent, rather than operating off temporary extensions. H.R. 1614 is a bill to add physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in private practice and facility-based outpatient therapy providers as permanent authorized providers of telehealth under Medicare. 

Telehealth technology can safely and effectively meet the needs of patients and has proven to be a widely used resource. Physical therapy provided via telehealth can improve access to care for patients who live in rural and underserved areas. It has allowed patients to gain desired outcomes for a variety of health problems, including PTSD, chronic pain, stroke, and other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. It is critical for Medicare patients to continue to have the option to see their medical providers via telehealth when medically appropriate. 

Email your members of Congress and ask them to support permanently extending Medicare patient access to physical therapy via telehealth by cosponsoring H.R. 1614.