Expanding telehealth

The rapid expansion of telehealth as a delivery mechanism for OT services during the PHE has enabled occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to demonstrate the clear value of occupational therapy services provided via telehealth. This has been especially beneficial for people in rural and other underserved areas and to those for whom travel to receive services was already a barrier to access, including people with disabilities.

OT practitioners report that telehealth has reduced delays to care, made it easier to connect with caregivers, and identify challenges within the home environment. In many ways, occupational therapy is a perfect match for telehealth to enable completion of one of the key aspects of occupational therapy: defining and enabling function within a specific context and environment, such as a patient’s home.

The COVID-19 pandemic enabled OT providers and patients to learn the value of occupational therapy services provided via telehealth. Temporary waivers enacted by CMS enabled occupational therapy practitioners to continue to provide essential therapy sessions despite closures and other service disruptions during and after the Public Health Emergency (PHE). However, once these waivers end, so too does the ability for occupational therapy practitioners to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries via telehealth.

You can help make telehealth a permanent part of OT services under Medicare by contacting your Members of Congress today and asking them to support the Expanded Telehealth Access Act.