Telerehabilitation Has Potential, But More Research, Funding, And Advocacy Are Needed

Health Affairs: Telerehabilitation Has Potential, But More Research, Funding, And Advocacy Are Needed

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS did not provide reimbursement for telehealth services for physical therapists. However, this reimbursement restriction was temporarily waived during the public health emergency related to the pandemic. The expanded Telehealth Access Act of 2021 (HR2168/S3193), if approved, would permanently allow physical therapists and other providers designated by CMS to provide telehealth services under Medicare. This article will review existing evidence on the use of telerehabilitation, identify barriers to the effective implementation of telerehabilitation, and suggest potential areas that professional advocacy and policy can address.