This bill makes a technical change to Medicare rules to help physical therapy patients get continuous care. Right now, when a physical therapist needs time off or goes on vacation, Medicare has strict rules that can interrupt a patient's treatment. This bill allows physical therapists to use temporary replacement therapists (called "locum tenens") the same way doctors already can. This means if your regular physical therapist is unavailable, another qualified physical therapist can step in and continue your care without interrupting your treatment plan or forcing you to start over with someone new. It's a practical fix to keep physical therapy services running smoothly for patients who depend on consistent, ongoing treatment for injuries or conditions.

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023

Luján, Ben Ray

Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023 This bill allows a physical therapist to receive payment under Medicare for services provided to the physical therapist's patients by another physical therapist through a qualifying temporary arrangement, regardless of the geographic area or population served. Currently, physical therapists may only receive payment with respect to such arrangements for services provided in medically underserved, rural, or health professional shortage areas.