 |
INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT REACHES AGREEMENT:
PATIENT-SELF REFERRAL TO PHYSICAL THERAPY IMPROVES PUBLIC HEALTH
Download in Adobe PDF
ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 28, 2009 — This past week in
Washington, DC, physical therapists from around the world heard that
direct access and patient self-referral to a physical therapist is
proven to be safe, and results in improved health outcomes, more timely
care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs, says the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA), co-host of the International Summit
on Direct Access and Advanced Scope of Practice.
"We were very pleased to host this event," says APTA President R.
Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "This weekend we heard evidence from around the
world that clearly demonstrates that direct patient access to physical
therapists is appropriate for all Americans. The findings of this
conference confirm that the legislation allowing patients to access
physical therapists without a referral -- legislation that currently
exists in 44 states -- is worth pursuing in all states and at the
federal level."
Leaders from 18 countries attending the Summit endorsed the results
of research that demonstrate that patient self-referral to physical
therapy is best for all health systems, whether public or private.
Direct access and patient self-referral allows patients to access
physical therapy as their first choice for rehabilitation and wellness
programs. A physician referral is not required.
"Physical therapists are able to act as first contact practitioners,
and patients may seek direct services without referral from another
health care professional," says Marilyn Moffat, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA,
president of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). "The
results of this wide body of research are clear: patients benefit from
self-referral and direct access. We encourage legislators and health
administrators around the world to consider these findings."
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) shared its successes
with direct access during a symposium, panel discussion, and breakout
sessions.
"Canada has been a world leader in legislating direct access so that
patients can self-refer to physiotherapy," says Alice Aiken, PT, PhD,
president of CPA. "Patient self-referral is legal in all provinces of
Canada."
Approximately 150 physical therapists from around the world attended
the meeting, which was co-hosted by APTA, WCPT, and CPA. For more
information, visit APTA's Web site at www.apta.org/internationalsummit.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility — in many cases without expensive surgery or the side
effects of prescription medications. APTA represents approximately
76,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students
of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and
quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical
therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients
can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a
physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can
treat and find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com.
[Last updated: 10/28/09 | Contact: public-relations@apta.org]
|
|
|
Events