“Virtual” PT sessions provide continuity of care for high-touch healthcare specialty
CLEARWATER, Florida – With the advent of Covid 19 and uptick in Telemedicine, physical therapy (PT) patients in Tampa Bay are finding a “virtual” office visit lets them continue treatment plans without leaving home.
One Clearwater physical therapy practice is using Telehealth, a form of Telemedicine, increasingly as an important online tool to help existing patients remain in treatment during home isolation, and to diagnose and treat new patients. For a healthcare specialty that is high touch, the concept of Telehealth might seem incongruous, but “virtual” sessions have not been an obstacle to treatment.
Insurance companies are cooperating, said Dr. Hays Estes, owner of Premier Physical Therapy & Sports Performance, as they recognize the importance of care continuity for PT patients recovering from an injury or medical condition.
While Premier Physical Therapy & Sports Performance still treats patients at its clinic by following CDC guidelines, Dr. Estes is finding many patients prefer to continue therapy sessions online. The clinic is located at 1661 Rainbow Dr., Clearwater, Florida. www.ptandsportstherapy.com
With Telehealth, post-surgical PT patients can avoid longer recovery time if a treatment plan is uninterrupted. Similarly, active adults injured by routine sports activities or by self-testing ways to stay fit at home can get help without making an office visit.
According to Dr. Estes, Telehealth, with its video capabilities, is a welcomed solution for PT patients reluctant to venture outside the home during a period of virus transmission uncertainty.
Dr. Estes is available for interviews and to demonstrate a Telehealth session with a patient. To contact Dr. Hays Estes, call 727-442-7500.