Top 10 Telehealth Physical Therapy Jobs in 2025: Salaries, Skills & Companies Hiring

The landscape of telehealth physical therapy jobs has exploded. What began as a pandemic necessity has evolved into a permanent healthcare delivery model, creating unprecedented career opportunities for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.

Telehealth physical therapy is now a well-established means to deliver care. While in-person care is (and probably always will be) the norm, there are definite benefits to providing care remotely.

In 2025, the telehealth physical therapy salary landscape has matured significantly. Remote positions now offer competitive compensation packages, flexible schedules, and the ability to serve patients across multiple states thanks to licensure compacts. But which roles offer the best opportunities? And what do telehealth physical therapy companies look for when hiring?

This comprehensive guide breaks down the top 10 telehealth PT jobs available today, complete with salary ranges, qualifications, hiring companies, and the technology platforms that make these roles successful. Whether you're exploring your first remote position or advancing your virtual care career, this roadmap will guide your next move.

1. Remote Physical Therapist

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 annually
Hourly Equivalent: $40-$55/hour
Additional Benefits: Health insurance, continuing education stipends, home office allowance ($500-$1,500 annually), flexible scheduling

The remote physical therapist represents the foundational role in virtual care delivery. Telehealth technology can be used in a variety of ways by physical therapists and their staff, though certain aspects of physical therapy are best suited for in-person visits.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct initial evaluations via video conference assessing patient movement, function, and pain
• Develop individualized treatment plans adapted for home execution
• Provide real-time therapeutic exercise instruction and form correction
• Monitor patient progress through outcome measurement tools
• Coordinate care with referring physicians and other healthcare providers
• Document all encounters in compliance with state practice acts and payer requirements

Required Qualifications

• Active physical therapy license in state(s) of practice
• PT Compact eligibility highly preferred (access to 39+ member states)
• 1-2 years clinical experience (new grads rarely hired for remote-only positions)
• Proficiency with EMR/EHR systems and telehealth platforms
• Strong verbal communication skills (cannot rely on hands-on demonstration)
• Reliable high-speed internet connection and professional home office setup

Top Companies Hiring

Major telehealth physical therapy companies actively recruiting remote PTs include:

• Luna Physical Therapy: On-demand home health with virtual oversight components
• Sword Health: Digital MSK program with AI-augmented therapist support
• Hinge Health: Integrated digital clinic for chronic pain management
• Hospital Systems: Kaiser Permanente, Intermountain Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic
• Insurance Providers: OptumCare, Humana At Home, Cigna Virtual Care

How Modern Platforms Support This Role

Integrated clinic management platforms streamline remote PT workflows through:

• Seamless video integration launching directly from patient charts
• Real-time documentation with specialty-specific templates during visits
• Automated HEP assignment with video demonstrations accessible via patient portal
• Insurance verification confirming telehealth coverage before appointments
• Outcome tracking measuring functional progress over treatment episodes

Pro Tip: When interviewing, ask about caseload expectations. Quality remote PT programs cap providers at 6-8 patients daily to allow adequate documentation time, while high-volume mills may push 12-15 patients, leading to burnout.

2. Telehealth Physical Therapy Director

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $95,000 - $130,000 annually
Bonus Potential: 10-20% based on program growth and quality metrics
Additional Perks: Conference attendance, leadership development programs, equity options in startup environments

The telehealth PT director oversees virtual care program development, staff management, and clinical quality assurance across remote teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement telehealth service lines aligned with organizational strategy
• Recruit, train, and supervise remote physical therapy staff (typically 5-15 clinicians)
• Establish clinical protocols and quality standards for virtual care delivery
• Monitor key performance indicators: patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, revenue per visit
• Interface with IT teams on EHR integration and platform optimization
• Ensure regulatory compliance across multi-state operations
• Develop payer relationships and contract negotiations for telehealth reimbursement

Required Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
• 5+ years clinical experience with 2+ years in leadership roles
• Proven track record implementing telehealth programs or managing remote teams
• Strong understanding of value-based care models and population health
• MBA or healthcare administration certification is advantageous
• Multi-state licensure or PT Compact membership is essential

Companies Frequently Hiring

• National therapy practice groups: Upstream Rehabilitation, ATI Physical Therapy
• Health system networks: Mass General Brigham, UCSF Health
• Digital health startups: Seeking experienced leaders to scale operations
• Consulting firms: Advisory roles helping organizations launch virtual care

Management Platform Requirements

Telehealth directors need comprehensive operational visibility through:

• Real-time dashboards showing provider productivity, wait times, and patient flow
• Customizable reporting on clinical outcomes, revenue cycle, and quality metrics
• Staff scheduling tools optimizing coverage across time zones and states
• Compliance tracking ensuring documentation standards and billing accuracy
• Performance analytics identifying top performers and training opportunities

Understanding how to strategically use team-based workflows to expand video visit access while ensuring care quality of all telemedicine visits will allow primary care practices to maximize telemedicine's benefits. This principle applies equally to directors managing remote rehabilitation teams.

3. Virtual Rehabilitation Specialist

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $80,000 - $105,000 annually
Specialty Premium: Vestibular, pelvic health, and hand therapy specialists command 10-15% higher compensation
Per-Visit Option: $55-$85 per evaluation, $40-$60 per follow-up (contract positions)

Virtual rehabilitation specialists focus on specific patient populations or conditions requiring advanced expertise delivered remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialized assessment and treatment for complex cases (post-surgical, chronic pain, neurological conditions)
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary care teams via virtual case conferences
• Develop condition-specific telehealth protocols and patient education materials
• Mentor generalist therapists on specialty evaluation techniques adaptable for video
• Conduct functional capacity evaluations (FCE) via standardized virtual protocols
• Research and implement evidence-based practices for virtual rehabilitation

Required Qualifications

• Board certification in specialty area (OCS, NCS, SCS, WCS, CHT)
• 3-5 years specialty practice experience
• Demonstrated outcomes in patient population of focus
• Published research, teaching experience, or thought leadership preferred
• Telehealth-specific training in remote assessment techniques
• Advanced exercise prescription for unsupervised home programs

Specialties in High Demand

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Specialized Platform Features

Rehabilitation specialists require advanced documentation tools:

• Specialty-specific templates with outcome measures (DHI, NDI, ODI, DASH)
• Image capture and annotation for postural analysis and wound documentation
• Exercise libraries with progressions for complex rehabilitation protocols
• Patient-reported outcome tracking showing functional improvement over time
• Remote monitoring integration for wearables tracking activity, HR, sleep quality

4. Telehealth Case Manager - PT/OT

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $70,000 - $88,000 annually
Work-Life Balance: Typically no patient care (8-5 schedule, no weekends)
Growth Path: Progression to clinical leadership or utilization review management

Case managers coordinate care for complex patients across healthcare continuum, increasingly using telehealth for patient touchpoints.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct virtual home assessments determining safety and DME needs
• Coordinate discharge planning from hospital to home with telehealth follow-up
• Monitor high-risk patients post-discharge via scheduled video check-ins
• Facilitate insurance authorizations for therapy services and equipment
• Connect patients with community resources (transportation, meal delivery, home modifications)
• Track hospital readmission rates and intervene preventatively

Required Qualifications

• PT or OT license (some organizations accept PTA/COTA with bachelor's degree)
• Case management certification (CCM) preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience with insurance utilization review processes
• Excellent phone and video communication presence
• Comfortable navigating complex social determinants of health

Companies & Settings Hiring

• Insurance payers: Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield networks
• Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): Managing Medicare populations
• Home health agencies: Coordinating care transitions
• Workers' compensation carriers: Managing injured worker return-to-work

Technology Requirements

Case managers need platforms enabling:

• Multi-patient monitoring dashboards flagging high-risk cases
• Communication hubs integrating email, SMS, video, and portal messages
• Care plan templates standardizing discharge instructions
• Resource libraries with community service directories by geography
• Reporting tools demonstrating program impact on readmissions and costs

5. Digital Physical Therapy Product Developer

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 annually
Equity Potential: Startup environments offer 0.1-1% equity grants
Sign-On Bonus: $10,000-$25,000 common in competitive markets
Remote Status: 100% remote typical, occasional travel for user research

This emerging role bridges clinical expertise with technology development for digital health companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design exercise libraries and rehabilitation protocols within digital platforms
• Conduct user research with patients and therapists identifying pain points
• Collaborate with software engineers translating clinical workflows into features
• Develop clinical algorithms for patient triage and treatment pathways
• Create educational content (videos, articles, infographics) for patient-facing apps
• Validate product effectiveness through pilot studies and outcome measurement

Required Qualifications

• Clinical PT/OT background (3-5 years minimum)
• Demonstrated interest in health technology (side projects, certifications)
• Understanding of software development lifecycle helpful but not required
• Strong writing and content creation skills
• Analytical mindset comfortable with data-driven decision making
• Entrepreneurial spirit thriving in ambiguous, fast-paced environments

Companies Leading This Space

• Sword Health: AI-powered MSK recovery platform
• Kaia Health: App-based chronic pain management
• Hinge Health: Digital clinic for back and joint pain
• RecoveryOne (formerly MedBridge): Clinical education meets patient care tools
• Startups: Hundreds of early-stage digital health companies seeking PT expertise

Career Insight: This role offers the highest earning potential long-term if you join a successful startup early. However, it requires comfort with ambiguity and willingness to learn adjacent skills (basic coding, UX design principles, product management frameworks).

6. Remote Physical Therapy Consultant

Average Salary & Compensation

Hourly Rate: $75-$150/hour (typically 1099 contractor)
Project-Based: $5,000-$25,000 for comprehensive program development
Annual Potential: $85,000-$140,000 depending on client load (typically part-time)

Consultants advise healthcare organizations, payers, and technology companies on telehealth implementation and optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess organizational readiness for telehealth physical therapy programs
• Design clinical workflows, protocols, and quality standards
• Train staff on virtual assessment techniques and platform utilization
• Develop business cases demonstrating ROI for telehealth investments
• Navigate regulatory compliance across state jurisdictions
• Troubleshoot underperforming programs and recommend improvements

Required Qualifications

• 7-10+ years clinical experience with demonstrated expertise
• Previous leadership role (clinic director, regional manager)
• Successful track record implementing or scaling telehealth program
• Strong business acumen and financial analysis skills
• Professional network within healthcare industry
• Excellent presentation and written communication abilities

Target Client Organizations

• Hospital systems: Building or expanding telehealth service lines
• Private equity-backed practice groups: Rolling out virtual care across portfolio companies
• Insurance companies: Developing in-network telehealth provider networks
• Technology vendors: Seeking clinical validation and go-to-market strategy
• Legal/compliance firms: Expert witness for telehealth malpractice or regulatory cases

Consulting Business Infrastructure

Independent consultants need:

• Professional website showcasing expertise and case studies
• CRM system managing prospect pipeline and client relationships
• Proposal templates quickly responding to RFPs
• Project management tools delivering on time and on budget
• Financial software for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation

Barrier to Entry: Building a consulting practice requires significant upfront marketing and business development. Most successful consultants leverage existing professional networks and reputation established during clinical careers.

7. Telehealth Physical Therapist - Workers' Compensation

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $82,000 - $102,000 annually
Productivity Bonus: Additional $10,000-$20,000 based on case closure rates
Schedule: M-F business hours (injured workers call during work breaks)

Workers' compensation represents a specialized telehealth niche with unique workflows and documentation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct functional capacity evaluations (FCE) via standardized video protocols
• Provide early intervention for musculoskeletal injuries preventing chronicity
• Coordinate with case managers, employers, and physicians on return-to-work planning
• Educate injured workers on proper body mechanics for job-specific tasks
• Document impairment ratings and work restrictions following state guidelines
• Testify as expert witness in disputed claims (occasionally)

Required Qualifications

• Understanding of workers' compensation system and state-specific regulations
• Experience with ergonomic assessment and job analysis
• Familiarity with AMA Guidelines for evaluation of permanent impairment
• Strong documentation skills (records often scrutinized in legal proceedings)
• Comfortable navigating adversarial dynamics (payer vs claimant tensions)
• Certification in ergonomics or work conditioning programs advantageous

Specialized Payer Networks

• Sedgwick Claims Management Services: Largest third-party administrator
• Broadspire: Crawford & Company's workers' comp division
• Gallagher Bassett: TPA for self-insured employers
• State funds: CompSource, State Fund programs in monopolistic states
• Direct employer programs: Amazon, Walmart, manufacturing facilities

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8. Virtual Home Health Physical Therapist

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $78,000 - $92,000 annually
Mileage Reimbursement: Still included for initial in-home evaluations
Patient Load: Hybrid model - 3-4 in-person, 4-6 virtual visits daily

Home health agencies increasingly incorporate telehealth for maintenance visits, caregiver training, and monitoring between in-person sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home initial evaluations assessing safety and function
• Provide virtual follow-up visits monitoring HEP compliance and progress
• Train family caregivers via video on transfer techniques and safety
• Coordinate with home health nurses, aides, and physicians
• Conduct virtual discharge planning with patient and family
• Document OASIS assessments and Medicare compliance requirements

Required Qualifications

• Home health experience strongly preferred (understand Medicare regulations)
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision
• Strong clinical reasoning for patients with multiple comorbidities
• Reliable transportation for occasional in-home visits
• Technology skills teaching elderly patients and caregivers platform use
• CPR certification and background check clearance

Home Health Agencies Adopting Telehealth

• Amedisys: National leader piloting hybrid home health models
• LHC Group: Integrated post-acute care platform
• Encompass Health: Rehabilitation-focused home health
• BrightSpring Health Services: Large multi-state provider
• Local/regional agencies: Family-owned businesses seeking competitive advantage

Medicare Telehealth Policies (2025)

Medicare telehealth flexibilities may expire, requiring review of geographic restrictions based on FQHC/RHC location and provider/practitioner eligibility Telehealthresourcecenter.

Current Allowances:

• Maintenance therapy visits via telehealth (after in-person evaluation)
• Caregiver training sessions count toward plan of care
• Rural originating sites expanded through recent legislation
• Audio-only visits for patients without video access (limited circumstances)

Documentation Requirements:

• Patient location at time of service (geographic restrictions may apply)
• Reason telehealth appropriate for this visit
• Technology modality used (video, audio-only)
• Medicare telehealth modifier (95 or GT depending on payer)

9. Telehealth Physical Therapy Educator/Trainer

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 annually
Consulting Side Income: $1,000-$5,000 per training program delivered
Academic Appointments: Adjunct faculty compensation ($3,000-$8,000 per course)

Healthcare organizations and academic institutions need expert trainers to prepare clinicians for virtual care delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum for telehealth competency training programs
• Conduct live and recorded training sessions for clinical staff
• Create educational resources (webinars, guides, video tutorials)
• Assess learner competency through practical examinations
• Stay current on telehealth best practices and regulatory changes
• Present at conferences on telehealth clinical education topics

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years clinical telehealth experience with proven outcomes
• Teaching experience (continuing education, academic, or corporate training)
• Curriculum development skills and instructional design knowledge
• Engaging presentation style effective in virtual learning environments
• Published work or thought leadership in telehealth space
• Advanced degree (DPT, PhD, EdD) preferred for academic positions

Organizations Hiring Trainers

• Academic programs: DPT programs adding telehealth coursework
• Health systems: Training existing staff on virtual care delivery
• Professional associations: APTA, AOTA, ASHA developing CE offerings
• Technology companies: Teaching users clinical applications of platforms
• Consulting firms: Subcontracting telehealth training expertise

Platform Requirements for Educators:

• Learning management system (LMS) hosting course content
• Video editing software creating polished training materials
• Virtual classroom tools (Zoom, WebEx) with breakout room capabilities
• Assessment platforms evaluating learner knowledge and skills
• Digital badge/certificate systems credentialing completers

10. Telehealth Quality Improvement Specialist - PT

Average Salary & Compensation

Base Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 annually
Bonus Structure: 5-15% based on quality metric achievement
Work Environment: Office-based or hybrid (less patient-facing)

Quality improvement specialists ensure telehealth programs meet clinical excellence standards and achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor quality indicators for telehealth services (outcomes, satisfaction, safety events)
• Conduct chart audits ensuring documentation and billing compliance
• Analyze data identifying trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities
• Lead quality improvement initiatives using PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles
• Develop clinical pathways and care protocols for common conditions
• Report performance metrics to leadership and accreditation bodies
• Investigate patient complaints and adverse events implementing corrective actions

Required Qualifications

• Clinical PT/OT background with understanding of care quality principles
• Experience with quality improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Strong analytical skills interpreting data and creating visualizations
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (Joint Commission, CMS)
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau, PowerBI)
• Excellent written communication for policy development

Healthcare Settings Employing QI Specialists

• Hospital systems: Maintaining accreditation and value-based care contracts
• Accountable Care Organizations: Meeting MSSP quality benchmarks
• Payer organizations: Ensuring network provider quality standards
• Multi-site practice groups: Standardizing care across locations
• Telehealth platform companies: Demonstrating clinical effectiveness to investors

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Understanding Telehealth Physical Therapy Salary Factors

Multiple variables influence earning potential in virtual care roles beyond base position type.

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Negotiation Strategies for Higher Telehealth PT Salary

Research thoroughly: Use salary databases (APTA salary survey, Glassdoor, Payscale) comparing your specialty and location.

Highlight unique value: Emphasize PT Compact membership, specialty certifications, bilingual skills, or technology expertise.

Consider total compensation: Evaluate benefits package value - health insurance ($10-15K), 401k match (3-6%), CEU allowance ($1-2K), home office stipend ($500-1,500).

Negotiate beyond salary: If base is fixed, request sign-on bonus, additional PTO, flexible scheduling, or student loan repayment assistance.

Leverage multiple offers: Having competing job offers significantly strengthens your negotiating position.

How to Land Your Ideal Telehealth Physical Therapy Job

Building Your Telehealth-Ready Resume

Highlight Relevant Skills:

• List specific telehealth platforms you've used (even if just training)
• Emphasize technology proficiency (EMR systems, video conferencing, digital communication)
• Showcase remote work experience or self-directed learning
• Include virtual care continuing education courses completed

Quantify Achievements:

• "Conducted 500+ telehealth visits with 95% patient satisfaction rating"
• "Reduced documentation time 40% through template optimization"
• "Maintained 8% no-show rate vs 15% practice average"

Preparing for Telehealth Job Interviews

Technical Setup Matters:

• Test your video and audio quality before interview
• Use professional background (plain wall or home office)
• Dress professionally (full outfit, not just from waist up)
• Position camera at eye level for natural conversation

Anticipate Unique Questions:

• "How do you build rapport without in-person interaction?"
• "Describe your home office setup and internet reliability."
• "How do you handle a patient experiencing a medical emergency during a virtual visit?"
• "What strategies do you use for patients with limited technology skills?"

Demonstrate Clinical Adaptability: Prepare examples showing how you've modified assessments or treatments for virtual delivery, overcome technology barriers, or achieved strong outcomes despite physical distance limitations.

Continuing Education for Telehealth Careers

Essential Certifications:

• Telehealth Certificate Programs: APTA, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
• Technology Training: Specific to platforms used by hiring companies
• Specialty Certifications: Orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics (broadens opportunities)

Emerging Skill Development:

• Digital health literacy and remote monitoring technologies
• Health coaching and motivational interviewing
• Cultural competency for diverse patient populations
• Data analysis and outcome measurement

The Future of Telehealth Physical Therapy Careers

The trajectory for telehealth physical therapy jobs shows continued growth. Market analysts project 15-20% annual increase in virtual care positions through 2027.

Emerging Opportunities:

• AI-augmented therapy: Therapists supervising AI-guided treatment programs for larger patient panels
• Asynchronous care models: Store-and-forward evaluation where patients submit videos for therapist review
• Global teletherapy: Serving expat communities, medical tourists, and underserved international populations
• Hybrid practice ownership: Solo practitioners offering virtual and mobile services

Skills to Develop Now:

• Understanding of AI and machine learning applications in healthcare
• Remote patient monitoring and wearable technology integration
• Value-based care models and population health management
• Multi-cultural communication and health literacy strategies

Conclusion

The telehealth physical therapy career landscape offers unprecedented flexibility, competitive salaries, and the ability to impact patient care without geographic limitations. Whether you're drawn to direct patient care, leadership, education, or technology development, remote roles exist across the spectrum.

Key Takeaways:

Salary ranges are competitive: Most telehealth PT positions pay $75,000-$130,000 depending on role and experience

Specialization increases value: Board certifications and niche expertise command 10-15% salary premiums

Technology platforms matter: Choose employers using integrated systems that reduce administrative burden and support clinical excellence

PT Compact is essential: Multi-state licensure unlocks significantly more job opportunities

Career paths are diverse: Options extend beyond direct patient care into leadership, consulting, product development, and quality improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need special certification to practice telehealth physical therapy?

A: No specific telehealth certification is required, but you must hold an active PT license in the state where your patient is located during the visit.

Q: Can new graduates get telehealth physical therapy jobs?

A: It's challenging but not impossible. Most employers prefer 1-2 years clinical experience before hiring for remote-only positions due to the need for strong clinical reasoning without hands-on assessment.

Q: How does telehealth physical therapy salary compare to traditional in-person roles?

A: Compensation is generally comparable, with base salaries in the $75,000-$95,000 range for staff therapists. However, telehealth roles often offer better work-life balance, no commute costs, and flexible scheduling that may outweigh slightly lower hourly rates in some markets.

Q: What's the best way to gain telehealth experience if my current employer doesn't offer virtual care?

A: Start by proposing a pilot program for specific patient populations (post-surgical follow-ups, maintenance visits). Alternatively, seek per-diem or weekend telehealth opportunities with companies like Luna or digital health startups. Volunteering for virtual health coaching or education programs also builds relevant experience.

Q: Are telehealth physical therapy jobs secure long-term, or is this a temporary trend?

A: Telehealth is now a permanent healthcare delivery model. Telehealth physical therapy has gained a lot of momentum in the past few years and patients continue to adopt and use telemedicine services since their expansion during the pandemic.

Q: Which telehealth physical therapy companies have the best reputation?

A: Top-rated employers include Sword Health (innovative technology), Hinge Health (strong clinical support), hospital systems like Kaiser Permanente (stability and benefits), and Luna (flexibility for providers). Research company reviews on Glassdoor and talk to current employees before accepting offers.

Q: How do I know if I'm being offered a fair telehealth physical therapy salary?

A: Research using APTA's salary survey (members get detailed reports), Glassdoor, and Salary.com. Factor in total compensation including health benefits ($10-15K value), 401k match, CEU allowance, home office stipend, and PTO. Consider cost of living in your location and whether you're W2 or 1099 contractor.

Q: What technology do I need to work as a remote physical therapist?

A: At minimum: reliable high-speed internet (10+ Mbps), computer with webcam and microphone, quiet private workspace, and professional video conferencing background. Many employers provide necessary software. Budget $1,000-$2,000 for quality home office setup if not provided.

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