As recently as five years ago, access to physical therapy meant a trip to a physical therapist. For millions of Americans now, it's as close as their smartphones.
Virtual physical therapy, once a niche service, has gone mainstream, transforming how we heal and manage pain. This digital revolution is reshaping the landscape of healthcare, offering new options for those who have long struggled to obtain access to quality PT.
But unless Congress acts, patients will lose access to these services at the end of the year.
The COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for the shift, forcing a rapid expansion of virtual healthcare services across the board, including physical therapy. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of all PT sessions involved telehealth. Medicare and private insurers temporarily broadened coverage, allowing millions to access care safely from home.
What started as a crisis response has evolved into a preferred option for many -- proving once again that necessity is often the mother of invention.
Virtual PT has become more than just a pandemic-era convenience -- it's a powerful tool for democratizing healthcare. Consider this: Black and Hispanic Americans, as well as those in rural areas, have long faced significant barriers to rehabilitation services. Virtual care is changing that equation.
Research suggests that virtual PT can improve health outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients. For rural communities, virtual PT has demonstrated retention rates of 77%, even higher than the 74% seen in urban areas. These findings suggest that virtual PT could be a key to addressing long-standing healthcare disparities.
The impact on patient outcomes is equally impressive. Research on patients recovering from knee replacements found that tele-rehabilitation was as effective as in-person therapy. Another study revealed that patients using virtual PT experienced improvements in functionality -- and reduced suffering due to pain -- compared to those receiving usual care without any PT. This is particularly significant for people who previously couldn't access in-person therapy due to distance, mobility issues, or time constraints.
Virtual PT is also proving to be a game-changer for older adults, challenging assumptions about technology adoption among seniors. Studies have found that patients over 65 often engage more with virtual platforms, completing more exercises per week than younger users. One study reported that patients over 65 performed an average of 3.1 exercises per week, compared to 2.5 for younger patients. This increased engagement translates to better adherence to treatment plans, quicker recovery, and fewer complications.
The ripple effects of improved access and outcomes extend throughout the healthcare system. Early access to PT for conditions like low back pain has been shown to reduce the need for advanced imaging, spinal injections, and even surgery. This not only improves patient quality of life but also eases the burden on our strained healthcare infrastructure.
This progress, however, is at risk. At the end of 2024, Medicare's expanded coverage for virtual physical therapy services is set to expire unless Congress acts. Failure would leave millions without access to this vital option.
Several promising bills currently under consideration in Congress aim to expand and extend telehealth coverage in various ways. It's crucial that any new law explicitly authorizes Medicare coverage for virtual physical therapy. We should embrace this revolution, leveraging technology to create a more accessible, equitable, and effective system.
The case for virtual PT is compelling. In our experience, patients are highly satisfied with this efficient, safe, and cost-effective offering. It expands access to underserved communities. It delivers outcomes comparable to traditional care. And it empowers patients to take control of their healing process. Now it's up to Congress to ensure this vital service remains available to all who need it.
Cathy MacLean is Chief Value Medical Officer and Charles Fisher is VP of Rehabilitation and Performance at Hospital for Special Surgery.
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