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The Administrative Burden on Physical Therapists: A Call for Reform

The landscape of physical therapy is undergoing significant strain due to administrative demands placed by payers, as highlighted in the recent report by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This report, titled "The Impact of Administrative Burden on Physical Therapist Services," is based on a survey conducted in mid-2025, gathering insights from nearly 19,000 physical therapists across various practice settings. The findings reveal a troubling trend: the growing burden of payer requirements is not just an inconvenience, but a critical barrier to patient care.

Key Findings from the APTA Report

Increasing Delays in Care

One of the stark revelations from the report is the increase in delays faced by physical therapists in obtaining prior authorization for treatment. Nearly one-third of therapists reported waiting one to two weeks for approval, which marks a 9% increase since 2018. This delay can have serious repercussions on patient treatment plans and overall outcomes.

Deteriorating Patient Outcomes

The survey results indicate that a significant 85% of respondents believe that prior authorization negatively impacts the clinical outcomes for their patients. As a consequence, many therapists feel that they are unable to provide timely and necessary care due to administrative hurdles, which could lead to worsened health conditions for patients who need immediate intervention.

Patient Abandonment of Treatment

The administrative burden is not only impacting therapist practices; it is also affecting patients directly. A worrying 83% of therapists reported that delays in authorization have led to patients discontinuing their treatment altogether. This abandonment raises red flags about the overall accessibility and quality of physical therapy services available to patients.

Operational Strain on Practices

In response to increasing administrative demands, around 75% of practices have had to hire additional administrative staff specifically to manage these payer requirements. This diversion of resources, aimed at handling paperwork rather than providing direct patient care, undermines the core mission of physical therapy practices.

Rising Costs and Therapist Burnout

The financial implications are also apparent: 57% of respondents shared that the administrative burden has compelled their practices to cut ties with at least one payer network. This decision is often driven by the increasing costs associated with navigating complex administrative requirements, adding to the stress and burnout faced by professionals in the field.

A Call to Action

Kyle Covington, President of APTA, emphasized the critical nature of these findings in his statement: "The data is clear — administrative burden is excessive, unsustainable, and continues to hinder both physical therapists and the patients they serve." Covington advocates for meaningful reform, underscoring the necessity of reducing administrative tasks that detract from patient care.

In light of these challenges, APTA aims to prioritize strategies that improve payment processes and advocate for regulatory changes. By addressing the administrative strain placed on therapists, the organization hopes to promote an environment where healthcare providers can focus on delivering high-quality care to their patients.

An infographic accompanying the report details the state of administrative burden in 2025, highlighting its adverse effects on both providers and patients. This visual representation aims to raise awareness regarding the critical need for change in the administrative landscape of healthcare.

About APTA

The American Physical Therapy Association represents over 100,000 physical therapy professionals across the United States. With a mission to advance the profession and improve the health of individuals and communities, APTA continues to advocate for solutions that enhance access to essential physical therapy services. Visit their website for more insights and resources on improving patient care through effective advocacy.