Increased Importance of Telehealth Physical Therapy post Pandemic

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Increased Importance of Telehealth Physical
Therapy post Pandemic
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Increased Importance of Telehealth Physical
Therapy post Pandemic
Adoption of Telehealth Physical
Therapy Telehealth physical therapy has been
highly adopted by the vulnerable patient
population as well as those who prefer the
convenience of care at home. During a pandemic,
telehealth physical therapy has evolved and
overcome its limitations. For example, the
precise movements and exercises involved in
physical therapy rehab are hard for a patient to
accomplish remotely. A provider on a video call
may seem about as valuable as a YouTube video.
But there are new technologies and strategies
that link patients, safely, to at-home physical
therapy care that balances telemedicine with
in-person visits. Many experts say this is the
future of telemedicine a hybrid of in-person and
virtual care. Telehealth physical therapy lets
health systems and orthopedic groups bring
outpatient physical therapy treatment to patients
in lieu of forcing them to travel twice a week,
in some cases more than five miles away, to
obtain postoperative care. It also helps
healthcare organizations improve the
profitability of their rehabilitation services by
expanding access to care, standardizing care to
avoid surgical complications, improving
adherence, enhancing patient experience, lowering
costs, and reducing referral leakage. Telehealth
physical therapy has provided new levels of
flexibility in scheduling patients that open up
capacity for those patients that need the
resources that can only be found on the health
systems campus, or in a physical therapy
clinic. Not every PT visit is created equal,
even within a single course of treatment. Some
patients naturally require in-person, in-facility
sessions, including all the associated equipment,
space, and supervision. Others can work with a
therapist in the comfort of their own home.
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Increased Importance of Telehealth Physical
Therapy post Pandemic
Minimal equipment is needed and the context of
assessing, treating, and exercising in the home
setting actually enhances the experience. In
other cases, the patient has previously learned
routines under supervision, and a televisit may
be appropriate. In these cases, a therapist is
well positioned to monitor patient performance,
observing movements and providing real-time
feedback. There are also cases where the patient
has performed most of the exercises before, and
all they need is maintenance-level exercise.
These on-demand sessions are convenient, allowing
the patient to complete the routine when and
where they want, with guidance provided via
video. Reasons to Consider Telehealth Physical
Therapy There are many reasons to consider
telehealth physical therapy. Below we shared 6
reasons suggested by American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) for the same 1.
Accessibility Telehealth can help patients stay
connected with their physical therapist after
initial in-person visits. Telehealth may also
make it possible to connect with a physical
therapist who is experienced in treating people
with specific patient conditions or who is a
board-certified clinical specialist, who may not
be nearby a locality. 2. Home safety If falling
is a concern, a virtual telehealth appointment
with a physical therapist is an opportunity to
discuss ways to improve the safety of patients
home. PTs also can discuss what patients should
do if they fall.
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Increased Importance of Telehealth Physical
Therapy post Pandemic
3. Personalized care During a private telehealth
visit, patients will work one-on-one with their
physical therapist, without distractions. They
also can involve family members or caregivers in
the appointment, if they want. 4. Success
rates As per the survey report, patients who take
part in telehealth physical therapy are more
likely to stick to their home exercise programs.
A physical therapist can provide a safe and
effective home exercise program to do at home
based on the patients specific needs and goals.
Sticking to a prescribed exercise program is a
vital part of long-term health. 5. Time
savings Theres no waiting room. After the
telehealth appointment, patients can quickly get
back to what they were doing at home without
having to spend time on the road. 6.
Transportation A telehealth appointment reduces
the burden of traveling to appointments.
Telehealth works well for parents with a child at
home, caregivers concerned about the physical
demands of transporting their loved one, and
those who dont have easy access to
transportation.
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Increased Importance of Telehealth Physical
Therapy post Pandemic
The majority of patients who have used telehealth
physical therapy were satisfied with their
experience and would do it again. Patients
expressed feeling connected and supported by
their telehealth physical therapist. Having this
support at home while going through a rehab
program is valuable. Studies also showed that
telehealth physical therapy can result in equal
or better outcomes. Legion Healthcare Solutions
is a leading medical billing company providing
complete billing and coding services. We shared
information on the increased importance of
telehealth physical therapy post-pandemic for
reference purposes. You can refer to
state-specific and payer-specific telehealth
policies before making a decision on adopting
telehealth physical therapy services. If you need
any assistance in physical therapy billing,
contact us at 727-475-1834 or email us at
info_at_legionhealthcaresolutions.com
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