This bill lets physical therapists use temporary fill-in providers (called “locum tenens”) under Medicare, so patients can keep getting care if their regular therapist is out for a short time. The goal is to prevent interruptions in treatment and keep clinics, especially small or rural ones, running smoothly. It applies to services provided after the bill becomes law .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Medicare patients who get physical therapy, and physical therapy clinics, especially small or rural ones .
• What changes: Physical therapists can bring in a qualified temporary therapist and still bill Medicare, helping avoid gaps in care when the regular therapist is unavailable .
• When it starts: For items and services furnished after the date the bill is enacted .