Physical Therapist Practice and the Role of Diagnostic Imaging

Boyles, Robert E.; Gorman, Ira; Pinto, Daniel; Ross, Michael D.

doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3556

Cited by 34 publications

(42 citation statements)

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“…Few published examples describe civilian-sector practice models that include physical therapists referring patients directly for imaging tests, 7 and a recent summary of physical therapy practice act language for the 50 states and the District of Columbia regarding the role of imaging revealed tremendous variability. The language ranged from "prohibiting the use of roentgen rays for any purpose" (physical therapists cannot turn the X-ray machine on) to prohibiting physical therapists from referring patients for diagnostic imaging to being "silent" on the issue.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…To enhance efficiency of health care delivery, and for health care consumers to maximally benefit from first contact with physical therapists, the ability to directly refer patients to other providers, including radiologists, would seem paramount. 7,13 Inherent to this ability is the responsibility of appropriate patient referral for diagnostic imaging. Despite clinical guidelines directing appropriate ordering of imaging modalities T T STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive survey.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…The language ranged from "prohibiting the use of roentgen rays for any purpose" (physical therapists cannot turn the X-ray machine on) to prohibiting physical therapists from referring patients for diagnostic imaging to being "silent" on the issue. 7 The continued effort to pass "patient direct access to physical therapy services" (referred to as first-contact practice) legislation has fueled discussions on physical therapists' abilities (or lack of ) to refer patients directly to radiologists for diagnostic imaging. To enhance efficiency of health care delivery, and for health care consumers to maximally benefit from first contact with physical therapists, the ability to directly refer patients to other providers, including radiologists, would seem paramount.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Diagnostic and Procedural Imaging Curricula in Physical Therapist Professional Degree Programs

Boissonnault¹,

White²,

Carney³

et al. 2014

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther

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While the integration of diagnostic and procedural imaging (eg, plain-film radiography/radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], computed tomography [CT], scintigraphy [bone scan], and ultrasonography) in US military physical therapist practice has an extensive history, 14,16 the role of imaging in care provided by physical therapists in civilian sectors is largely unknown. Few published examples describe civilian-sector practice models that include physical therapists referring patients directly for imaging tests, 7 and a recent summary of physical therapy practice act language for the 50 states and the District of Columbia regarding the role of imaging revealed tremendous variability. The language ranged from "prohibiting the use of roentgen rays for any purpose" (physical therapists cannot turn the X-ray machine on) to prohibiting physical therapists from referring patients for diagnostic imaging to being "silent" on the issue. 7 The continued effort to pass "patient direct access to physical therapy services" (referred to as first-contact practice) legislation has fueled discussions on physical therapists' abilities (or lack of ) to refer patients directly to radiologists for diagnostic imaging. To enhance efficiency of health care delivery, and for health care consumers to maximally benefit from first contact with physical therapists, the ability to directly refer patients to other providers, including radiologists, would seem paramount. 7,13 Inherent to this ability is the responsibility of appropriate patient referral for diagnostic imaging. Despite clinical guidelines directing appropriate ordering of imaging modalities T T STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive survey. T T OBJECTIVE:To describe the status of diagnostic and procedural imaging curricula within United States physical therapist professional degree programs. T T BACKGROUND:As patient direct access to physical therapy services increases, the ability to refer patients directly for diagnostic imaging could promote more efficient delivery of care. Appropriate patient referral is contingent on physical therapists having the requisite knowledge base and skills. While evidence describing imaging competence of physical therapists with advanced training in military institutions exists, evidence is lacking for other physical therapists, including new graduates of physical therapist professional degree programs. T T METHODS: Faculty members teaching imagingat 206 United States physical therapist professional degree programs recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education were recruited via e-mail correspondence. An e-mail attachment included the survey on which faculty reported imaging curricula and faculty qualifications, attitudes, and experiences. T T RESULTS:Faculty from 155 (75.2%) programs responded to the survey, with imaging being included in the curriculum of 152 programs. Content was integrated by required standalone courses or clinical science track courses, and/or through elective courses. The average reported estimate o...

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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Diagnostic and Procedural Imaging Curricula in Physical Therapist Professional Degree Programs

Boissonnault¹,

White²,

Carney³

et al. 2014

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther

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“…4 This special issue contains a collection of manuscripts, authored by multidisciplinary teams, that address each of the aforementioned topics. As such, it is highly relevant for all clinicians involved in managing patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders, because MRI may play a significant role in helping to make more informed clinical decisions.…”

Section: Towards a New Normative Model For Physical Therapist Practice Imentioning

confidence: 99%

“…4 Physical therapists are well suited to become key members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team that makes early decisions towards retarding or preventing the development of long-term physical impairments second-…”

Section: Readiness: What Does the Evidence Say?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Generating a New Pulse in the Physical Therapy Profession

Elliott¹

2011

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther

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Physical therapy musculoskeletal imaging authority: A survey of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Nations

Mabry

Boyles

Brismée

et al. 2019

Physiotherapy Res Intl

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Objectives Medical evidence largely supports PTs in expanded roles, however, healthcare policy within the United States (USA) typically restricts PTs from ordering musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. It is unknown how MSK imaging policy in the USA compares to other World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) member nations. The primary objective of our study was to investigate the authority of PTs to order MSK imaging. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the authority for PTs to order MSK imaging. Methods 111 WCPT member nations were surveyed over a 2‐month period on the authority of PTs ordering MSK imaging within their nation. A secondary analysis utilizing a step‐wise binary regression compared member nation demographic statistics to MSK imaging authority. Results 81 member nations responded to the survey. 31 (38.3%) of member nations reported having some level of PT MSK imaging authority while 50 (61.7%) did not. Member nations with lower per capita healthcare costs were significantly more likely to allow PTs to order MSK imaging (p = 0.02). Those with direct access authority were 7.4 times more likely to authorize PTs to order MSK imaging (p < 0.01). Entry‐level clinical degree and years of entry‐level collegiate credit were not associated with imaging authority. Conclusion This is the first study to report MSK imaging policy within the WCPT member nations. While many nations within the WCPT allow PTs to order MSK imaging, the majority of nations still restrict PTs from such practice. Lower per capita healthcare costs and direct access authority were significant predictors of MSK imaging authority, however, causation cannot be established within the confines of this study. Future studies should consider issues such as restrictive policy origin (i.e. governmental vs. institutional), insurance reimbursement (i.e. private vs. public sector policy), and limitations on imaging modality

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Physical Therapist Practice and the Role of Diagnostic Imaging

Cited by 34 publications

References 50 publications

Diagnostic and Procedural Imaging Curricula in Physical Therapist Professional Degree Programs

Diagnostic and Procedural Imaging Curricula in Physical Therapist Professional Degree Programs

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Generating a New Pulse in the Physical Therapy Profession

Physical therapy musculoskeletal imaging authority: A survey of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Nations

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