Telehealth physical therapy is a way of delivering physical therapy services remotely using digital communication technologies such as video calls or online chat. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has been a strong advocate for integrating digital technologies into physical therapy practice.
Moreover, recent research highlights the significant role of telehealth physical therapy in managing patients with musculoskeletal conditions, even beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this guide, you will find a broad overview of how telehealth PT works, its benefits and limitations, and tips to establish a successful tele-physical therapy program.
Telehealth physical therapy (PT), also known as virtual physical therapy, enables patients to receive physical therapy services from the comfort of their homes. This method involves communicating with a licensed virtual physical therapist via video or audio call to attend the appointment remotely.
According to the APTA, telehealth cannot replace in-person sessions but can provide access to critical data on patient progress, reduce costs, and expand the reach of services to underserved or remote areas when used appropriately.
For virtual physical therapy sessions to work effectively, both the patient and the physical therapist need certain essential tools. These include a device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone equipped with video and audio features, a stable internet connection, and video conferencing software.
What Services Are Offered During Virtual Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists can provide a wide range of services to their patients through telehealth. They can guide patients through exercises and monitor their movements in real-time. For example, if patients don’t have access to specific therapy tools, therapists might also suggest using everyday items like a rolling pin for hand exercises or a kitchen towel for stretching routines.
Additionally, therapists can offer personalized education on managing pain, improving posture, and preventing injuries. They might also create hybrid programs combining virtual and in-person sessions, depending on the patient’s needs and treatment goals.
Physical therapy has traditionally been delivered in person, but remote physical therapy offers several benefits, including cost-effective care and increased access for patients, particularly those in rural or remote areas. A study published in the National Library of Medicine highlights that digital physical therapy can be just as effective as in-person visits for improving patient outcomes.
While commenting on the benefits of offering physical therapy via telehealth, Matthew Hatzl, Lead Physical Therapist with Northwestern Medicine, explains:
“The underpinning of a lot of treatments is exercise -- exercise, education, advocacy, so we can provide all those things virtually.”
To further understand the significance of combining telehealth and physical therapy, you should consider the new Illinois law, which broadens the availability of these services and allows offices to conduct physical therapy sessions via telehealth to enhance care delivery.
Generally, patients and providers associate the following benefits with this remote care delivery model:
1. Convenience And Accessibility
The main benefit of online physical therapy is that patients can access it from any location using internet-connected devices. This is particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility or those living in remote locations, as it eliminates the need for travel and allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Remote physical therapy can be more affordable compared to in-person visits by reducing travel and associated expenses. Many insurance plans cover telehealth sessions, and various payment options are available to make it easier for patients and providers.
3. Flexibility
Telehealth allows patients to schedule appointments around their personal and professional commitments, which makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy lifestyle. This flexibility helps ensure better adherence to treatment plans.
4. Safety And Comfort
Physical therapy via telehealth reduces the risk of exposure to contagious diseases by allowing patients to stay at home. Additionally, patients can enjoy the comfort of receiving care in a familiar and supportive environment.
Despite the many benefits of virtual physical therapy, there are a few limitations that you should consider.
Challenges And Drawbacks
Telehealth PT limits the services that physical therapists can provide. Some physical therapists feel they can't do complete evaluations or offer hands-on treatment to help people heal from injuries. For example, therapists can't apply manual techniques such as joint mobilizations or soft tissue massage, which are often essential for effective treatment.
Potential issues with technology, such as connection problems or equipment malfunctions, can also affect the effectiveness of virtual physical therapy sessions.
Suitability For Different Conditions
The suitability of telehealth physical therapy may also vary depending on the patient's condition. Some conditions, like post-operative care or severe injuries, often require the physical presence of a therapist for effective treatment.
However, virtual sessions can be an excellent fit for conditions that primarily require exercise-based management such as:
- Minor injuries
- Back, hip, or knee pain
- Tight or weak muscles
- Post-discharge checkups
- Joint aches and pain
Overall, user testimonials and success stories on websites such as Upstream Rehabilitation, Athletico, and Professional Physical Therapy suggest positive experiences with virtual physical therapy.
Tips For Success
Here are five key tips to help you launch a successful telehealth physical therapy program:
- Choose a specialized area for telehealth visits and follow telehealth best practices to meet the needs of your patients
- Select a telehealth platform that integrates well with your existing systems. If you offer both in-person and remote physical therapy sessions, consider a vendor that offers telehealth as part of their broader EHR suite
- Create a contingency plan that outlines steps to take if there are technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection or software glitches
- Stay updated with the top telehealth trends to enhance your service offerings. Incorporate technologies like video conferencing, asynchronous formats, mobile health (mHealth), and remote patient management
- Gather feedback from your patients to understand their experiences and identify areas for improvement
For more information on starting a virtual physical therapy program, you can refer to this telerehabilitation toolkit.
The next step in launching your telehealth program is understanding your physical therapy billing options. Telehealth has become a significant financial resource for physical therapy practices. Most insurance plans cover telehealth physical therapy at the same or lower rates than in-person sessions. However, some plans require an initial in-person visit before transitioning to telehealth services.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allowed physical therapy providers to bill for telehealth services. This flexibility has helped many practices continue offering care remotely.
For Medicare, here are few billing codes that providers can use for reimbursement of telehealth physical therapy services:
Please note that the above codes are subject to change. It is important to refer to the complete list of telehealth services covered by Medicare from the CMS to ensure you are using the correct codes.
Choosing the right telehealth software is another crucial step for delivering high-quality online physical therapy sessions. Below, we will cover three telehealth platforms that offer powerful virtual care solutions for physical therapists:
1. Tebra
Tebra offers a telehealth solution that is both HIPAA- and HITRUST-certified, ensuring compliance with health data security standards. It provides high-quality video visits that enable physical therapists to conduct one-on-one or group appointments. The platform also features dedicated provider URLs, virtual waiting rooms, and customizable patient communications.
2. SimplePractice
Another best telehealth platform for therapists is SimplePractice. It gives clients the flexibility to engage in secure virtual sessions that include advanced features like screen-sharing capabilities and an interactive whiteboard. This software is designed to enhance patient engagement and make virtual physical therapy sessions as efficient as possible.
3. NextGen
NextGen EHR software offers HIPAA-compliant HD video services that ensure patient data remains secure during virtual visits. Patients can join their sessions from any device through a secure link sent via email or text message. Moreover, the software integrates documentation into its virtual care platform to ensure seamless workflows for physical therapists.
A research study highlights that musculoskeletal conditions affect over half of the American adult population and around 37% of working-age adults. Telehealth for physical therapy has emerged as a safe and efficient option that allows individuals with these conditions to receive care from the convenience of their homes.
The flexibility and convenience of telehealth physical therapy make it an attractive option for both patients and practitioners. Patients can receive high-quality care from wherever they are located, while practitioners can use it to reach a broader patient base.
There are many telehealth platforms available on the market, each offering unique features and benefits. You should consider your practice's specific needs, workflow requirements, and budget to find the best physical therapy EHR and telehealth software.