Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023

The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2023 (H.R. 1617) aims to ensure that Medicare patients can continue their rehabilitation without delay when their regular physical therapist is temporarily unavailable. Under current law, physical therapists can only bill Medicare for services provided by a substitute therapist if the practice is located in a rural or medically underserved area. This bill would expand that flexibility nationwide, allowing physical therapists in any location to hire a temporary substitute—such as during a medical leave or vacation—while maintaining consistent billing and care for their patients. For citizens, this change is intended to prevent gaps in treatment and reduce the need to find a new provider if their primary therapist is away.