Let Occupational Therapists Help Those in Need Via Telehealth

Let Occupational Therapists Help Those in Need Via Telehealth
Why this petition matters
Occupational Therapy helps people with disabilities regain participation in their activities of daily living (ADLs) and live their life to its full potential. We are writing to you for your support to include Occupational Therapy in Telehealth and expand medicare coverage and reimbursement to help those in need. On 10/30/2019, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) leading in the Senate, and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) leading in the House introduced the bill in Congress (H.R. 4932) Connect for Health Act 0f 2019. This legislation integrates Telehealth services where many of its medicare beneficiaries have limited access to therapy services especially under certain circumstances as in epidemic conditions. This pending legislation would give Occupational Therapy providers the opportunity to help Medicare clients who face hardships to access rehabilitation services via telehealth. With a low-cost tool of video conferencing and phone consultation with occupational therapy professionals, medicare patients will benefit in areas of home and community safety, decrease risk of falls, increased participation in ADLs and decrease hospital visits.