National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Quiz: Health It And Telehealth
18 questions · exam conditions
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Health It And TelehealthQuestion 1 of 18

A physical therapist is working with a patient on pelvic floor muscle retraining via synchronous telehealth. The therapist is using biofeedback software that displays the patient's muscle activity on the screen. The patient has given consent for their partner to be present to help with technology. During the session, the patient asks the therapist a sensitive question about incontinence related to sexual activity.

What is the MOST appropriate action for the therapist to take to protect the patient's privacy?

Answer the question factually, as the patient's consent for the partner's presence covers all aspects of the session.
Politely ask the partner to step out of the room temporarily to allow for a private discussion with the patient.
Tell the patient that such sensitive topics are best discussed in person and schedule an in-office appointment.
Use the platform's private chat feature to type the answer to the patient while the partner remains in the room.
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National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Quiz

National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Quiz: Health It And Telehealth

Practice Health It And Telehealth in National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Health It And Telehealth, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

A physical therapist is working with a patient on pelvic floor muscle retraining via synchronous telehealth. The therapist is using biofeedback software that displays the patient's muscle activity on the screen. The patient has given consent for their partner to be present to help with technology. During the session, the patient asks the therapist a sensitive question about incontinence related to sexual activity.

What is the MOST appropriate action for the therapist to take to protect the patient's privacy?

  1. Answer the question factually, as the patient's consent for the partner's presence covers all aspects of the session.
  2. Politely ask the partner to step out of the room temporarily to allow for a private discussion with the patient. (correct answer)
  3. Tell the patient that such sensitive topics are best discussed in person and schedule an in-office appointment.
  4. Use the platform's private chat feature to type the answer to the patient while the partner remains in the room.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. General consent for a third party to be present for technical assistance does not automatically extend to all sensitive health discussions. When the nature of the conversation shifts to a more private topic, the therapist has an ethical duty to provide an opportunity for confidential communication. Asking the partner to step out is the most direct and respectful way to achieve this. Option A presumes a level of consent that hasn't been explicitly given for this specific topic. Option C creates an unnecessary barrier to care and implies telehealth is inappropriate for such discussions. Option D is awkward and may not allow for the necessary therapeutic dialogue and follow-up questions.

Question 2

A large healthcare system is transitioning to a new enterprise-wide EMR. As part of the rollout, physical therapists are required to use standardized evaluation templates with mandatory data fields linked to a clinical data repository used for research and quality improvement initiatives. A therapist finds that for a patient with a complex, multi-system condition, the template's forced-choice options and character limits do not allow for an adequate representation of the patient's unique presentation.

What is the therapist's MOST professionally responsible course of action?

  1. Complete the required fields as best as possible and utilize a free-text 'comments' or 'summary' section within the template to document the patient's complexities in detail. (correct answer)
  2. Select the 'best fit' options in the template to satisfy the system requirements and document the nuances in a separate, non-integrated personal note.
  3. Refuse to use the template for this patient and document the evaluation entirely in a free-text note, citing the template's clinical inadequacy.
  4. Contact the EMR implementation team or clinical informatics department to report the template's limitations and advocate for modifications.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about EMR implementation and documentation challenges, focus on balancing professional responsibilities: patient care documentation, system compliance, and advocacy for improvement. Why A is correct: This approach fulfills all professional obligations simultaneously. You complete the required standardized fields to maintain system compliance and data integrity for research/quality initiatives, while using available free-text sections to capture the patient's unique complexities. This ensures comprehensive documentation within the existing system framework, maintaining both legal standards and clinical accuracy without disrupting workflow or data collection protocols. Why the other options fall short: Option B creates fragmented documentation by placing critical information outside the integrated medical record, potentially compromising continuity of care and creating legal vulnerabilities. Option C directly violates system requirements and could disrupt essential data collection for quality improvement, while potentially creating compliance issues. Option D, while valuable for long-term improvement, doesn't address the immediate documentation needs of the current patient and could delay necessary care documentation. Key strategy: On NPTE questions involving documentation conflicts, look for solutions that satisfy multiple professional responsibilities simultaneously rather than choosing one obligation over others. The best answer typically involves working within existing systems while ensuring complete patient documentation. Remember that immediate patient care needs take precedence, but this doesn't mean ignoring system requirements—find ways to meet both when possible.

Question 3

A physical therapist in a direct access state is contacted by a potential new patient who wants to use asynchronous (store-and-forward) telehealth for an evaluation. The patient sends a written description of recurrent, atraumatic knee pain with effusion, localized to the medial joint line, which is worse with pivoting. The patient also uploads a video showing limited knee flexion and pain during a self-performed McMurray test.

What is the MOST appropriate determination regarding the use of asynchronous telehealth for this patient's initial evaluation?

  1. It is appropriate, as the patient has provided sufficient subjective and objective information to form a provisional diagnosis.
  2. It is inappropriate, because a definitive diagnosis requires hands-on examination and ligamentous testing that cannot be done remotely.
  3. It is appropriate, but only if the patient agrees to follow up with a synchronous video call to confirm findings.
  4. It is inappropriate, as self-performed special tests are unreliable and competing diagnoses cannot be adequately ruled out. (correct answer)
Explanation: The correct answer is D. While the patient provides some clues, the inability of the therapist to perform a skilled, hands-on examination is a significant limitation. A self-performed special test is highly unreliable. The therapist cannot palpate for joint line tenderness, assess ligamentous stability, or perform other differential diagnostic tests (e.g., for patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteoarthritis). This inability to conduct a comprehensive examination and rule out other pathologies makes an asynchronous evaluation unsafe and inappropriate for this presentation. Option A is incorrect because the information is insufficient and unreliable for a diagnosis. Option B is too specific; while hands-on examination is needed, the core issue is the inability to perform a broad differential diagnosis. Option C suggests a hybrid approach but doesn't negate the initial inappropriateness of the asynchronous method for a new diagnostic challenge like this.

Question 4

A patient is scheduled for their first telehealth physical therapy appointment. The clinic's standard procedure includes sending an automated email with a link to the secure video platform 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The patient does not join the session at the scheduled time. After 10 minutes, the therapist calls the patient, who states they never received the email with the link.

To prevent this issue in the future, which of the following represents the MOST proactive improvement to the clinic's telehealth workflow?

  1. Implement a system to send the unique session link 24 hours in advance, along with a confirmation request and clear instructions for what to do if the link is not received. (correct answer)
  2. Reschedule the patient and instruct them to call the clinic if the link is not received 15 minutes before the next appointment.
  3. Require all telehealth patients to download a specific application to their device which sends a push notification, bypassing email altogether.
  4. Add the clinic's email address to the patient's contact list during the intake process to prevent messages from going to spam folders.
Explanation: When evaluating telehealth workflow improvements, you need to consider which solution addresses the root problem most comprehensively while being proactive rather than reactive. The goal is preventing communication failures before they disrupt patient care. Option A represents the most proactive approach because it tackles multiple potential failure points simultaneously. Sending the link 24 hours in advance gives patients time to identify problems, test their technology, and seek help if needed. The confirmation request creates a feedback loop that alerts the clinic to delivery issues before the appointment. Clear backup instructions empower patients to resolve problems independently, reducing last-minute cancellations and delays. Option B is purely reactive—it simply reschedules and places the burden on the patient to identify and report future problems. This doesn't prevent the same issue from recurring and creates inefficiency. Option C may seem proactive, but requiring all patients to download specific applications creates accessibility barriers. Many patients, especially older adults, may struggle with app installation or lack compatible devices, potentially excluding them from telehealth services entirely. Option D addresses only one possible cause (spam filtering) while ignoring other common issues like incorrect email addresses, technical problems, or patients who don't regularly check email. It's too narrow to be the "most proactive" solution. Remember that on the NPTE, workflow questions often test your ability to distinguish between reactive fixes and truly proactive systems that prevent problems at multiple levels while maintaining accessibility for all patients.

Question 5

A physical therapist is documenting a telehealth evaluation in the electronic medical record (EMR) for a patient with chronic low back pain. The therapist uses a pre-built EMR template that auto-populates several sections with standard, normal findings. After signing the note, the therapist realizes the template auto-populated 'full, pain-free active range of motion in all extremities' and '5/5 manual muscle test strength throughout,' which contradicts the specific deficits documented in the narrative portion of the note.

What is the MOST appropriate action for the therapist to take to correct the locked EMR entry?

  1. Contact the EMR administrator to unlock the note, allowing direct correction of the auto-populated text to match the narrative findings.
  2. Create a new note for the same date of service with the corrected information and request that the original, incorrect note be deleted from the record.
  3. Draft a formal addendum to the original note, dated and timed, which clearly identifies the incorrect auto-populated data and specifies the correct objective findings. (correct answer)
  4. Address the discrepancy in the next visit's note, explaining the error in the previous documentation and providing the corrected information at that time.
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The legal and professional standard for correcting an error in a signed medical record is to create an addendum. The addendum preserves the original entry, ensuring transparency, and provides the corrected information with a clear explanation. Option A is incorrect because unlocking and altering a signed note compromises the integrity of the medical record. Option B is incorrect because deleting a medical record entry is generally improper and can be viewed as fraudulent. Option D is incorrect because it delays the correction and creates a confusing and potentially misleading record in the interim, which could impact patient care or billing.

Question 6

A physical therapist is preparing for a synchronous telehealth visit with a 15-year-old patient who is recovering from a concussion. The therapist plans to assess visual tracking and balance. The informed consent for telehealth was signed by the patient's parent, which included a clause about ensuring a private and safe environment for sessions. At the start of the call, the patient is in a busy, noisy common area of their home with other family members present and moving around.

What is the physical therapist's MOST appropriate immediate action?

  1. Proceed with the assessment, but speak loudly to be heard over the background noise and document the environmental conditions.
  2. Ask the patient via the chat function to find a more private and quiet space before continuing with the session.
  3. Terminate the session and inform the parent that future sessions will be canceled unless the environment meets the consent agreement terms.
  4. Politely pause the session, verbally explain to the patient the need for a private, quiet, and safe space for the assessment, and offer to wait while they relocate. (correct answer)
Explanation: The correct answer is D. This action directly addresses both HIPAA privacy concerns (due to others being present) and patient safety (a quiet, clear space is needed for a concussion assessment, especially balance testing). It is collaborative and educational, reinforcing the terms of the consent agreement without being punitive. Option A compromises both patient privacy and the validity of the assessment. Option B is a possible action, but a direct verbal request is more effective and ensures the patient understands the clinical and privacy reasons. Option C is overly punitive for a first-time issue and could damage the therapeutic alliance; a more collaborative approach should be tried first.

Question 7

A home health agency is implementing a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program for patients with congestive heart failure. The physical therapist is tasked with interpreting daily data from patients' RPM devices, including weight, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. One patient's data shows a 4-pound weight gain over 2 days and a decrease in oxygen saturation from 96% to 91% at rest. The patient has not reported any new symptoms via the connected app.

Given the RPM data, what is the physical therapist's MOST critical responsibility?

  1. Document the data in the patient's EMR and continue to monitor the trends for the next 24 hours before taking action.
  2. Instruct the patient via the app's messaging system to perform their diaphragmatic breathing exercises and elevate their legs.
  3. Immediately contact the patient via telephone to assess for clinical signs of decompensation and notify the case-managing nurse or physician. (correct answer)
  4. Adjust the patient's physical therapy plan of care to reduce exercise intensity and frequency in response to the physiological data.
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The combination of rapid weight gain and decreased oxygen saturation are classic signs of fluid overload and potential acute decompensation in a patient with CHF. This is a medical red flag that requires immediate attention beyond the scope of an autonomous PT intervention. The therapist's primary responsibility is to assess the patient's clinical status and communicate these critical findings to the medical team. Option A represents a dangerous delay in care. Option B is an insufficient response to a potentially life-threatening change in status. Option D may be a necessary change, but it is secondary to the immediate need for medical assessment and intervention.

Question 8

A hospital-based physical therapist is discharging a patient with multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. The plan of care includes transitioning to telehealth for monitoring a home exercise program. The patient has a smartphone but expresses significant anxiety about using new applications and has no family nearby to assist. The patient also lives in a rural area with known unreliable internet service.

What is the MOST crucial factor for the therapist to address to ensure the successful and equitable implementation of the telehealth plan?

  1. Ensuring the patient's smartphone model is compatible with the hospital's chosen telehealth application.
  2. Conducting a thorough technology literacy assessment and providing simplified, multi-modal instructions before discharge. (correct answer)
  3. Confirming the patient's insurance plan provides reimbursement for telehealth services post-discharge.
  4. Scheduling the first telehealth appointment during off-peak hours to improve the chances of a stable internet connection.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The patient has expressed a direct barrier (anxiety, or low technology literacy) which must be addressed for the plan to be feasible. Furthermore, the unreliable internet connection is a major access barrier. Addressing these 'digital divide' issues through assessment, education, and potentially identifying alternative communication methods is fundamental to providing equitable care. Option A is a technical detail but is useless if the patient cannot use the app. Option C is an important administrative step but does not address the patient's functional ability to participate. Option D is a potential tactic but does not solve the underlying problems of low literacy and unreliable service.

Question 9

An outpatient clinic's EMR system allows therapists to copy forward the subjective and objective portions of a previous note into the current day's note to save time. A therapist is seeing a patient for the sixth visit for shoulder pain. The patient reports a significant increase in pain after playing tennis over the weekend. The therapist copies the previous week's note, which states 'Patient reports 2/10 pain and steady progress,' and then adds a new sentence at the end of the subjective section: 'Patient reports flare-up to 7/10 pain after tennis.'

Which statement BEST describes the therapist's documentation practice?

  1. This is an efficient and acceptable use of the copy-forward function as the new information was added to reflect the patient's current status.
  2. This practice is acceptable but only if the objective findings for the day are manually entered and not copied forward.
  3. This practice is inappropriate and may be considered fraudulent as it creates a conflicting and inaccurate record of the patient's status. (correct answer)
  4. This is a minor documentation error that can be easily clarified if the insurance company requests the records for review.
Explanation: The correct answer is C. Copying forward information without careful editing to reflect the patient's current state creates a contradictory and legally indefensible record. The note simultaneously claims the patient has 2/10 pain and 7/10 pain. This can be interpreted as fraudulent billing if the treatment provided was for a 7/10 pain level while the record also states progress at 2/10. Best practice dictates that each note should be an accurate reflection of that specific visit, and copy-forward features must be used with extreme caution and thorough editing. Options A and B endorse a risky practice. Option D downplays the seriousness of creating a contradictory legal document.

Question 10

A physical therapist is using their personal, password-protected tablet to conduct a telehealth visit from their private home office. The tablet is used for both professional EMR access and personal activities like email and web browsing. The therapist is connected to their home's WPA2-encrypted Wi-Fi network.

Which aspect of this scenario presents the GREATEST potential HIPAA security risk?

  1. Using a personal tablet for professional work, as this constitutes a 'bring your own device' (BYOD) situation.
  2. Conducting the visit from a home office rather than a certified clinical facility.
  3. The mixing of personal and professional use on a single device without separate, secured profiles or containers. (correct answer)
  4. Using a WPA2-encrypted Wi-Fi network, as WPA3 is the most current and secure standard.
Explanation: The correct answer is C. The mixing of personal and professional use on an unmanaged device is a significant security risk. Personal emails could contain malware, and insecure apps or websites visited for personal use could compromise the entire device, potentially exposing protected health information (PHI). While BYOD (A) is a risk, it can be managed with strict policies. The greatest risk comes from the unmanaged nature of the mixed-use. A home office (B) is acceptable if privacy can be assured. WPA2 (D) is still considered a strong security standard, and while WPA3 is newer, the risk from mixed personal/professional use is far more immediate and probable.

Question 11

A physical therapy clinic is adopting a new EMR that features integrated patient-generated health data (PGHD). A patient recovering from a total knee arthroplasty uses a smartwatch that tracks step count and sleep patterns. The patient has authorized the sharing of this data with the clinic's EMR.

What is the MOST clinically effective and responsible way for the physical therapist to utilize this PGHD?

  1. Directly import the raw step count and sleep data into the daily note as objective measures of functional progress.
  2. Use the data trends as a starting point for a conversation with the patient about their perceived activity levels, barriers, and sleep quality. (correct answer)
  3. Set specific daily step count goals within the EMR and create an alert to notify the therapist if the patient does not meet the goal.
  4. Disregard the data as it is from a consumer-grade device and lacks the validity of clinical assessment tools.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. PGHD from consumer wearables is most valuable as a catalyst for patient engagement and dialogue. It provides insight into the patient's life outside the clinic but lacks the context that only the patient can provide. Using the data to ask better questions (e.g., 'I see your step count was lower on Tuesday, what was going on that day?') is the most effective use. Option A is inappropriate because the raw data lacks context and may not be accurate. Option C can be useful but is secondary to the primary goal of using data to enhance the therapeutic alliance and patient education. Option D is a missed opportunity, as even if not perfectly valid, the data reflects a part of the patient's experience and can be clinically useful.

Question 12

A physical therapist is supervising a physical therapist assistant (PTA) who is conducting a telehealth visit with an established patient. The state practice act is silent on the specific requirements for PTA supervision via telehealth but requires 'direct, on-site' supervision for PTAs in outpatient settings. The patient is performing exercises from their established plan of care.

Given the ambiguity in the state practice act, what is the supervising physical therapist's BEST course of action?

  1. Proceed with PTA-led telehealth visits, as services for established patients are within the PTA's scope of practice.
  2. Allow the PTA to conduct the session independently but require the PT to co-sign all documentation.
  3. Assume the most restrictive interpretation and require their own real-time presence via synchronous video for the entire duration of the PTA's session.
  4. Contact the state physical therapy licensing board for an official clarification on supervision requirements for telehealth. (correct answer)
Explanation: The correct answer is D. When a practice act is silent or ambiguous on a critical issue like supervision in a new service delivery model, the only way to ensure compliance and avoid professional misconduct is to seek direct clarification from the regulatory body. Acting on assumptions is risky. Option A makes a dangerous assumption that could lead to unlicensed practice or inadequate supervision. Option B confuses a documentation requirement with a supervision requirement. Option C is a conservative approach, but it may be unnecessarily restrictive and is still an assumption; seeking official guidance (D) is the most professionally responsible first step.

Question 13

A physical therapist wants to use a short video clip of a patient performing an exercise to showcase the effectiveness of their telehealth services on the clinic's public social media page. The patient is performing the exercise well and has previously signed a standard HIPAA notice of privacy practices and a general consent to treatment.

What must the physical therapist do to legally and ethically use this video clip?

  1. Obtain a separate, specific written authorization from the patient that details the exact use, duration, and purpose of the video for marketing. (correct answer)
  2. Ensure the patient's face is blurred in the video, which de-identifies the media and makes it permissible to use without consent.
  3. Simply ask for verbal permission from the patient at the end of the telehealth session and document it in the chart.
  4. The general consent to treatment and HIPAA notice signed at intake are sufficient to cover this type of promotional use.
Explanation: The correct answer is A. Using a patient's image or likeness for marketing or any purpose other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations requires a specific, written authorization under HIPAA. This authorization must be separate from the general consent to treat and must clearly state what information will be used, for what purpose, who will see it, and for how long. Option B is incorrect because even with a blurred face, other features (body, home environment) could potentially identify the patient, and use for marketing still requires explicit consent. Option C is incorrect as verbal consent is not sufficient for this purpose; written authorization is required. Option D is incorrect as standard intake forms do not cover public marketing.

Question 14

A physical therapist is providing a telehealth session for a patient with Parkinson's disease. The therapist is assessing the patient's ability to perform a dual-task activity: walking across the room while counting backward from 100 by 7s. The video feed from the patient's device is lagging and choppy, making it difficult to accurately assess gait quality and potential festination or freezing episodes.

What is the MOST appropriate clinical decision for the therapist to make?

  1. Ask the patient to repeat the test several times to try and get a clearer view through the choppy video feed.
  2. Document the gait assessment as 'unable to assess due to poor connection' and move on to a different intervention.
  3. Modify the assessment to a static task that is less dependent on video quality, such as assessing seated postural sway. (correct answer)
  4. Instruct the patient to record a video of themselves performing the task with their smartphone and send it via secure message for later review.
Explanation: The correct answer is C. When technology limits the ability to safely and accurately perform a chosen assessment, the therapist must adapt. Modifying the plan to an assessment that can be validly completed with the available technology is the best clinical decision. This allows the therapist to still gather useful objective data during the session. Option A is unsafe, as repeating a challenging dual-task activity with a patient with Parkinson's disease without clear visual feedback increases fall risk. Option B is a missed opportunity to assess other relevant areas. Option D transitions to an asynchronous model, which might be useful, but it doesn't solve the problem of needing to gather objective data during the current synchronous session.

Question 15

A physical therapist receives an encrypted email from a patient containing a question about their home exercise program. The therapist's employer has a policy that all electronic communication containing PHI must be conducted through the secure patient portal integrated with the EMR. The therapist's response to the patient's question will include specific recommendations and progression of exercises.

What is the MOST appropriate response by the physical therapist?

  1. Send a brief, non-clinical reply to the patient's email stating that for security reasons, all communication must be on the patient portal, and then post the full clinical response on the portal. (correct answer)
  2. Reply directly to the encrypted email, as encryption ensures HIPAA compliance for the communication.
  3. Copy the patient's question and the therapist's detailed response into the patient portal messaging system and send it to the patient from there.
  4. Call the patient on the phone to provide the answer, as this avoids creating a discoverable electronic record of the advice outside the EMR.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about electronic communication and protected health information (PHI), focus on both HIPAA compliance and institutional policy adherence. Healthcare facilities establish specific communication protocols not just for legal compliance, but for comprehensive documentation and security management. The correct approach is A because it addresses multiple critical requirements simultaneously. By declining to use the patient's chosen communication method and redirecting to the approved portal, the therapist maintains policy compliance while still providing the requested clinical information. This response also creates a proper audit trail within the EMR system, which is essential for continuity of care and legal protection. B is incorrect because encryption alone doesn't guarantee HIPAA compliance or satisfy institutional policies. The employer's directive to use only the patient portal supersedes the encryption security, and violating workplace communication policies can have serious professional consequences. C fails because it creates duplicate records across different systems, which can lead to documentation inconsistencies and potential security vulnerabilities. Simply copying content doesn't address the fundamental policy violation of using unauthorized communication channels. D is problematic because it circumvents proper documentation entirely. Phone conversations about specific clinical recommendations should still be documented in the patient's medical record. Additionally, this approach doesn't educate the patient about proper communication channels for future interactions. Strategy tip: On NPTE questions involving communication policies, remember that institutional protocols typically take precedence over seemingly secure alternatives. Always choose responses that maintain both compliance and proper documentation while still serving the patient's needs.

Question 16

During a telehealth session with an older adult, the physical therapist observes the patient performing a sit-to-stand exercise. The patient suddenly loses their balance and falls to the floor, off-camera. The patient groans and says, 'I think I hurt my hip.' The therapist had previously confirmed the patient's location and the presence of a caregiver in the home, although the caregiver is in another room.

What is the physical therapist's MOST critical and immediate sequence of actions?

  1. Instruct the patient to remain still, call the caregiver's phone to have them check on the patient, and then instruct the caregiver to call 911.
  2. Immediately call 911 with the patient's confirmed address, stay on the line with the patient to provide reassurance, and then contact the caregiver. (correct answer)
  3. Attempt to guide the patient verbally to get up from the floor, and if the patient is unable, then contact the emergency contact on file.
  4. End the telehealth session, document the fall as an adverse incident, and call the patient later in the day to check on their status.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. This sequence prioritizes immediate medical intervention for a potentially serious injury (hip fracture). The therapist should activate emergency medical services (EMS) directly, as they are a licensed healthcare provider witnessing a fall with a suspected injury. Relying on an intermediary (the caregiver) to call 911 (Option A) introduces a delay. Attempting to have the patient move (Option C) is contraindicated with a suspected hip fracture. Ending the session (Option D) constitutes abandonment in an emergency situation.

Question 17

A physical therapist is establishing a telehealth program and needs to obtain informed consent. To be comprehensive, the consent form must address risks that are unique to the telehealth environment.

Which of the following is the MOST critical element to include in a telehealth-specific informed consent document, beyond what is required for in-person care?

  1. A statement that the patient is responsible for the cost of their own internet service and electronic devices.
  2. An explanation of the potential for technology failure and a clear contingency plan, including a backup contact method. (correct answer)
  3. A list of the specific CPT codes that will be used for billing telehealth services to the patient's insurance.
  4. A clause giving the therapist permission to record the sessions for quality assurance and training purposes.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The potential for technology to fail is a primary risk unique to telehealth. A robust informed consent process must make the patient aware of this risk and establish a clear plan for what happens if a disconnection or other failure occurs (e.g., the therapist will call the patient's phone). This is crucial for both continuity of care and patient safety. Option A is a practical detail but not a core clinical risk. Option C is related to billing and not a primary component of clinical consent. Option D is an optional request that requires separate, explicit consent and is not a mandatory element for telehealth treatment itself.

Question 18

A physical therapist is providing a 50-minute telehealth session to a patient covered by Medicare Part B. The session involved 22 minutes of therapeutic exercise (97110), 18 minutes of neuromuscular re-education (97112), and 10 minutes of gait training (97116).

According to the 8-minute rule for time-based CPT codes, which billing combination is the MOST accurate for this telehealth visit?

  1. 97110 x 2 units, 97112 x 1 unit, 97116 x 1 unit, with modifier 95.
  2. 97110 x 1 unit, 97112 x 1 unit, 97116 x 1 unit, with modifier 95. (correct answer)
  3. 97110 x 2 units, 97112 x 2 units, with modifier 95.
  4. 97530 (Therapeutic Activities) x 3 units, with modifier 95.
Explanation: The correct answer is B. The total timed duration is 22 + 18 + 10 = 50 minutes. According to Medicare's 8-minute rule, this total time supports billing for 3 units (since 50 falls between 38 and 52 minutes). The time for each specific service must then be considered. All three services (22, 18, and 10 minutes) meet the minimum 8-minute threshold to be billed for at least one unit. Therefore, one unit of each code is the most accurate representation of the service provided. Option A is incorrect because it bills for 4 units, which is not supported by 50 minutes of service. Option C is incorrect for the same reason. Option D is incorrect because it misrepresents the services performed and uses a different CPT code.