The latest federal appropriations bill included language that extends telehealth flexibilities for occupational (OT) and physical therapists (PT), as well as for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, through Dec. 31, 2027. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026 (H.R. 7148), signed by President Donald Trump on Feb. 3, finally gives clinicians some breathing room, after earlier continuing resolutions…
Telehealth Flexibilities Extended for OTs, PTs, Through December 2027
Commentary: How RISE Could Impact CRT’s Next Generation of Clinicians
We need more occupational and physical therapists, not fewer.
It is no secret that the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry is an aging one, professionally speaking. In May 2019, I quoted the University of Pittsburgh’s Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, who said the average age of an industry Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) — which includes clinicians — was 52. The age of the average…
Telehealth Update: Industry Organizations Comment on Latest Extension, 2025 Wins
While the latest continuing resolution provided another extension, a permanent telehealth option remains elusive.
Telehealth proved its efficacy during the heart of the COVID-19 public health emergency, when hospitals and clinics sharply limited in-person appointments, but wheelchairs and seating provision for Medicare beneficiaries still needed to move forward. The telehealth option isn’t the answer in every situation: It’s not a good fit where internet connections are unreliable or when…
Medicare Claims on Hold as Government Shuts Down, Telehealth Flexibilities End
As the government shut down Oct. 1, pre-pandemic Medicare telehealth policies resumed.
As the federal government shut down on Oct. 1 due to lack of funding, Noridian Healthcare Solutions — the DME MAC for Jurisdiction A — sent out a reminder to stakeholders that Medicare claims would be put on hold. “When certain legislative payment provisions (“extenders”) are scheduled to expire, CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid…
Legislation Introduced as Sept. 30 Telehealth Deadline Looms for Clinicians
Two new bills seek a two-year extension, as advocates work on permanent telehealth coverage.
The Medicare telehealth flexibility granted to physical and occupational therapists since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is about to expire, again. But newly introduced bills seek a two-year extension. After multiple telehealth extensions throughout the pandemic’s public health emergency (PHE), the current waiver is due to end on Sept. 30, unless Congress takes action.…