March 5th, 2019

Dear U.S. Representative John Moolenaar,

As a student physical therapist, I am writing to you to request that you take action to pass the
CONNECT for Health Act so that telehealth services are included in medical insurance plans.
Telehealth services are becoming extremely popular amongst the health care industry as a cost-
effective approach to care. Unfortunately, there are many existing barriers that prohibit the use of
these services.

Today physical therapists cannot bill for telehealth services under Medicare. However, there are
health care providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, PA’s, nurse midwives, etc. that can
bill for this service. If passed the CONNECT for Health Act would help lift most of the current
restrictions on telehealth services under Medicare. The bill would allow physical therapists to
provide patients that are covered by Medicare plans, accountable care organization (ACOs), and
other payment models with telehealth services. Passing this bill could also help increase care to
areas that are underserved or to patients living with impaired mobility.

Telehealth would benefit both the therapist and patient. The therapist would be able to observe
the patient’s movement and how they perform exercises. The therapist could offer their verbal
and visual instructional cues to help the patient perform the activities safely. The benefit for the
patient is that they can do this service in the comfort of their own home and not need additional
assistance to get them to the physical therapy clinic.

Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this important matter. Please feel free to
contact me by phone at (989)600-3272 or by email at wejro1a@cmich.edu.

Sincerely,

Ashley Wejrowski, SPT

Central Michigan University