Annual Checkup by a Physical Therapist

An annual allows physical therapists to determine health status and identify health risks of individuals in their community.

Why Provide An Annual Checkup

Clients Benefit: Physical therapists have the education, experience, and expertise necessary to provide a broad health screening to allow tracking the patient's health status over time. It may also lead to a referral for a physical therapist evaluation and treatment plan or to another health care professional for potential problems identified during the checkup.
Physical Therapists Benefit: An annual visit allows clinics to diversify their services, bringing in new clients and retaining current clients as physical therapists create ongoing relationships with their client base. It also diversifies the income string by providing a source not dependent on third-party payers. Learn more about providing cash-based services.

Recorded Webinar: Why an Annual PT Checkup Should and Could Be a Service Your Clinic Offers
0.2 CEUs (2 contact hours/CCUs)
APTA Members: $99 | Nonmembers: $169

Follow these steps:

Access the Annual Checkup Form Template
Download the form and carefully review the instructions for use.
Determine your referral network
The screening could identify risks or problems beyond your expertise or scope of practice.
Determine how you will track results for each checkup
Whether you add data to the Annual Checkup Form Template or input into an electronic health record system, the value of the annual visit is emphasized by tracking the results over time.
Determine payment for services
Checkups are often cash based services. APTA cannot suggest pricing for the checkup.
Practice the checkup visit
Before implementing the checkup, practice on your colleagues to be sure you feel prepared to efficiently perform the checkup, including having the necessary equipment and space.
Market your annual checkup.
Develop materials describing your annual checkup. Distribute them to your current patients and leave materials in the waiting room for family members. Encourage them to make a future appointment.
Consider best practices
Strive to make the annual checkup a robust offering at your clinic and in your community.

Annual Check-Up Feedback Form
APTA is collecting data from members on an annual physical therapy check-up (demographics of patients, challenges, successes, and information on APTA resources). Please consider taking a few minutes to share your experiences.