A Win for Hybrid Care in Michigan 

The APTA Michigan reported a record win in telehealth advancement. As a result of the organization’s advocacy efforts, healthcare professionals in Michigan now have reimbursement parity for telemedicine and in-person office visits. In addition, insurers cannot dictate where patients receive care unless they are contractually bound or specific care is deemed necessary by a referring health care professional. It is a big win for patients and clinicians as virtual and hybrid care create greater access to treatment, and telehealth continues to expand in the physical therapy field. 

Reimagining Imagining in Arizona 

In the summer of 2024, the state of Arizona joined ten other states and the District of Columbia by amending its state practice to permit physical therapists to order all types of imagining. Instruction on imaging is a required part of all DPT programs as dictated by their accrediting body (CAPTE), yet most PTs cannot place those orders for patients. The amendment allows Physical therapists to order imaging beyond X-rays while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. The move is considered a win for therapists and patients as the amendment will enable PTs to embrace their full skillset and reduce waiting periods, doctor visits, and healthcare costs to patients where imaging is needed.