Physical therapy is more than just a tool for recovery, it is a fundamental component of comprehensive healthcare. For millions of Americans, access to physical therapy (PT) can mean the difference between managing pain effectively and suffering from long-term disability. Despite its proven benefits, PT is at times seen as an optional service or one of last resort versus an early intervention where the service has the most profound impact. Ensuring PT is recognized as essential care for all populations, including pediatric patients, Medicare beneficiaries, and women’s health patients is critical.
Pediatrics: Building a Stronger Foundation for Life
Children facing developmental delays, musculoskeletal conditions, or post-surgical recovery challenges rely on physical therapy to improve mobility, coordination, age-appropriate development, and overall quality of life. Early intervention through PT can prevent long-term complications and reduce the need for more invasive treatments later in life. Recognizing physical therapy as essential for pediatric care ensures that young patients receive the support they need to thrive.
Medicare: Keeping Older Adults Independent and Active
For seniors, physical therapy is a lifeline. It plays a critical role in fall prevention, post-surgical rehabilitation, independent living, and chronic pain management. The Medicare population is particularly vulnerable to mobility limitations, and without access to PT, many older adults face increased hospitalization rates, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life. Policy changes that cut reimbursement for PT services threaten to limit access for seniors who need it most. Confluent Health advocates for policies that protect PT as a covered and prioritized service within Medicare.
Women’s Health: Addressing Unique Needs at Every Stage of Life
Women experience a range of musculoskeletal and health conditions that require specialized care, from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to osteoporosis and pelvic floor disorders. Physical therapy provides non-invasive, highly effective treatment options that improve strength, function, and well-being. Recognizing PT as essential within women’s healthcare ensures that women of all ages receive the support necessary to maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle.
The Need for Policy Change
Despite its critical role in patient care, PT continues to face reimbursement cuts and access barriers that prevent millions from receiving timely treatment. Confluent Health is committed to advocating for policies that:
- Prevent Medicare reimbursement cuts that threaten access to PT for seniors.
- Expand coverage for pediatric PT to ensure children get the care they need early in life.
- Enhance access to PT for women’s health conditions to improve long-term outcomes.
- Promote PT as a first-line treatment to reduce opioid use, unnecessary injections and surgical interventions, and overall healthcare costs.
Join Us in Advocating for Change
Healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients must work together to ensure physical therapy is recognized and supported as essential care. Confluent Health is leading the charge in advocating for improved access to PT services across all populations.
We encourage clinicians, patients, and advocates to join us in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes that prioritize physical therapy. Together, we can build a healthcare system that values prevention, recovery, and overall well-being through PT.
Stay connected for updates on advocacy efforts and ways to get involved in supporting essential physical therapy services for all. We urge you to contact your lawmakers to address the 2025 Medicare cuts by filling out this simple form: https://www.aptqi.com/take-action/?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f120786%2fRespond