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Telehealth shouldn't be for emergencies only.
The COVID-19 pandemic 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
Recognizing the importance of telehealth to patients and providers, Congress recently approved a two-year extension of pandemic-era Medicare telehealth policy through 2027. While this is a critical measure to ensure that patients do not experience any disruptions in their plan of care, APTA strongly supports legislative and regulatory changes to make PTs and PTAs as permanent, rather than temporary, authorized providers of telehealth to Medicare patients. APTA has endorsed H.R. 1614 – bipartisan legislation pending in Congress that proposes to establish PTs and PTAs as permanent telehealth providers in the Medicare program.
Recommended Content
Mar 24, 2021 / Open Access
Access templated letters to advocate for maintaining telehealth policies for physical therapist services once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
Jun 7, 2020
Use of telehealth is rapidly expanding; make sure you know the requirements.
Mar 22, 2024 / Position Paper
This position paper outlines APTA's support of the Expanded Telehealth Access Act that would add PTs and PTAs in private practice, and facility-based outpatient therapy settings as permanent authorized providers of telehealth under the Medicare program.
Apr 19, 2024 / Roundup
Five articles explore the feasibility of telerehabilitation and the factors that could lead to successful implementation.
Mar 21, 2024 / Article
The guideline provides 7 recommendations that address the impact of, preparation for, and implementation of telerehabilitation in physical therapist practice. Each recommendation includes potential benefits, harms, and cost of implementation. In addition,
Additional Telehealth Advocacy Content
Feb 4, 2026 / Article
Nov 17, 2025 / News
Sep 9, 2025 / News
Congress must act by Sept. 30 to extend current telehealth access for PTs, PTAs, and other therapy providers.
Apr 9, 2025 / News
Two APTA-supported bills from Congress' last session are back for consideration: making Medicare telehealth provisions permanent for PT services and streamlining the background check process for participation in the PT Compact.
Sep 19, 2023 / Roundup
For Telehealth Awareness Week, here's a quick look at some of APTA's telehealth-related initiatives, resources, and advocacy.
Jul 14, 2023 / News
Cuts continue, but APTA's advocacy helped spark positive movement related to PTA supervision, code values, and more.
Jun 14, 2023 / Roundup
The year isn't even half over, and the association has already scored some major victories for the profession (and teed up a few more).
Jun 7, 2023 / News
In light of telehealth’s effectiveness during the PHE, this longtime APTA advocacy goal could be within reach.
May 22, 2023 / News
APTA pressed for the changes, which now allow PTs in SNFs, home health, and rehab agencies to continue providing telehealth under Medicare.
May 15, 2023 / News
APTA and other organizations continue to push for clarification in a range of other facility settings.