A patient claims lingering pain. His PT sees a malingering bully. Part 1 of 3 on various faces of bullying and their ethical ramifications.

Physical therapists (PTs) work diligently with patients to help them reach care goals. What are the ethical implications, however, when there is disagreement among the PT, the patient, and a health care colleague about goal achievement and the appropriateness of discharge? Consider the following scenario.

Home Away From Home?

Tony Lewis is the stockroom supervisor at a big-box retail store. He slipped in his employer's parking lot after torrential rains created muddy conditions, injuring his back and cervical spine. He is a patient of Mike Lowery, a physician in private practice who also is the chief of internal medicine at Memorial Hospital. Mike prescribed medication and referred Tony for physical therapy at the hospital's ambulatory care center, where Lindsey Coats becomes Tony's PT.