Course Description:

The COVID-19 pandemic demands that health care providers rethink how they deliver care in ways that reduce the risk of further spreading infection. The use of telehealth is one approach that can help keep both patients and providers safe.
Telehealth for Physical and Occupational Therapy is administered virtually, through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. This platform is usually accessed through a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Telehealth affords us the unique ability to approach patients from a true biopsychosocial approach, encompassing a systematic consideration of the biological, psychological, and social factors and their complex interactions in understanding health, illness, and health care delivery.
Regardless of the payer or policy, occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners must ensure that when providing telehealth services or billing for them, they are practicing legally and ethically and are adhering to state and federal practice guidelines and payer contract agreements. Practitioners will need to review and understand their state's practice act regarding the delivery of physical or occupational therapy services via telehealth.
This basic, introductory course will teach practitioners how to set up and complete telehealth sessions for a physical or occupational therapy practice, primarily focusing on how to evaluate, monitor, and treat patients remotely.