A Telehealth Solution for Physical Therapists

Frequently Asked Questions

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is an option provided by different kinds of medical service providers that allows patients to schedule and hold “virtual” visits in order to eliminate the need for in-office visits. This technology is becoming more widely available, and is recognized by the APTA as a means of providing physical therapy sessions to patients in need.Telehealth is an option provided by different kinds of medical service providers that allows patients to schedule and hold “virtual” visits in order to eliminate the need for in-office visits. This technology is becoming more widely available, and is recognized by the APTA as a means of providing physical therapy sessions to patients in need.

How is telehealth used in physical therapy?

Telehealth is an option that is helpful to physical therapists and their patients for the times when patients cannot - or do not want to visit their PT’s office. This service is used by therapists to provide coaching, information, to supervise therapy sessions and to show patients how to properly do the exercises from the comfort of their own homes. Patients can continue their sessions even when they aren’t in office, promoting better health and an increase in strength without there being gaps in between sessions that can lead to setbacks.

Do I need to download and install an app to use BetterTelehealth?

No. You do not need an app to participate in a video appointment. Please be aware that there are specific browsers you will have to use on certain mobile devices.

How does telehealth improve patient care?

Telehealth gives them an opportunity to continue sessions that they may have otherwise missed. By having someone oversee treatment sessions in this manner, the likelihood of patients injuring themselves during sessions decreases. The sessions will be one on one with none of the distractions that may come from in-office treatment. Another improvement to patient care with telehealth is that the sooner treatments start after the initial consult and assessment, the less likely a patient is to have setbacks or suffer additional injuries/experience the need to recover.

What are some examples of telehealth?

Examples of telehealth services include initial consultations and patient assessments and live video sessions or question and answer sessions. It may also include exercise routine discussion and implementation and mobile patient monitoring for statistics like step reports, heart rate and completion of activities.

Why do people use telehealth for physical therapy?

Yes, many patients say that they enjoy the opportunity to complete their sessions remotely. This offering allows them to continue gaining strength and mobility from home, with the knowledge that they are doing what they need to do based on the guidance of their physical therapy team.

Some of the things that patients report enjoying about telehealth are increased access to services for remote patients or those that cannot get to their sessions easily, the ability to conduct sessions and appointments from the safety and comfort of their homes and shorter wait times and decreased travel time.

Do patients like telehealth?

Patients still need to have their physical therapy appointments, but holding them virtually when possible will provide the necessary care and guidance that patients need without making them leave their homes and go into an office, which is especially useful in a time when Social Distancing is recommended.

Physical therapists need to work closely with their patients in order to help them make progress using responsible and necessary measures and exercises, but this same level of care is possible using telehealth. Visiting a physical therapy clinic is a great way to get hands on, in person care, but telehealth offers patients the ability to get the same quality care without the hassle - or potential danger - of traveling to and from appointments.

How does telehealth help improve outcomes?

In other areas of telehealth and telemedicine, this type of service has improved outcomes in a variety of ways that include financials (different billing structure), convenience (sessions can be scheduled when convenient for patients, and they do not require transportation), and access (simply asking a question or needing something clarified no longer requires an in-person visit, and rural patients will still get the services that they need).

This service also improves outcomes by streamlining the services provided, eliminating distractions, and promoting a one-on-one environment. Rather than trying to explain the nature of the question or issue, patients can show their PT and get immediate feedback - no waiting!

How should I prepare for my telehealth visit?

• Set up a comfortable, well-lit space for your session. Good lighting will ensure a quality picture.
• Make sure you’re in a private space with some room to move around. A clear open space will ensure you have free range of motion and that you make the most of your physical therapy session.
• Wear clothes that allow for easy movement without binding or constricting you.
• Make sure you have a stable internet connection. In order to have the best telehealth experience possible, you must be using a strong, stable internet connection.
• Keep your hands free. If you can find a comfortable stand for your video device or have something to prop it up against, will free up your hands to take part in the physical therapy session.
• Remember to use a compatible internet browser. Below is a list of compatible internet browsers for your telehealth session. Whichever browser you are using, make sure to keep it updated to the most recent version.

What devices will work?

Telehealth video visits will work on most iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and brands of computers. Just make sure any device you use is updated with the latest version of its operating system.

Does my insurance cover telehealth appointments?

Laws governing telehealth reimbursement vary in each state. In our experience, most health plans have covered these services however, every insurance company is different. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or the clinic prior to your appointment to make sure you’re covered.

What devices will work?

Telehealth video visits will work on most iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and brands of computers. Just make sure any device you use is updated with the latest version of its operating system.

Can I self-pay?

Yes. Please check with your clinic to get their rates prior to your appointment.

Do I need a prescription for my telehealth visit?

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow patients to seek some level of treatment from a licensed physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician. There may be some restrictions in your state but for the most part this means is that you can now receive physical therapy, even virtually, without a physician’s referral/prescription. Check with your state’s regulations or your clinic prior to your appointment.