Primary care physical therapy highlights the role of physical therapists as integral members of a patient's primary care team. It's important for PTs and PTAs to understand this emerging care delivery model, including considerations regarding practice readiness, educational opportunities, and billing.

APTA members can use the new APTA Practice Advisory on primary care physical therapy to learn about:

• Primary care definitions and the importance of the definitions in providing integrated, accessible health services to patients.
• The role of physical therapists as essential members of primary care teams, addressing musculoskeletal and functional needs.
• Primary care compared to direct access: Understand the distinction between primary care physical therapy and direct access to physical therapist services.
• Impact on health care access: Gain insight into how primary care physical therapy improves patient access to care, enhances outcomes, and reduces health care costs through early intervention.
• Scope and competencies: Explore the core competencies needed for PTs in primary care settings, including screening, triage, health promotion, and interdisciplinary communication.
• Board certification in primary care: Learn about the new APTA board certification in primary care physical therapy.

Physical therapists can use this advisory to stay informed about best practices, and as a road map to enhance their practice within primary care settings, improving access and quality of care for their patients.

The APTA Practice Advisory, a member benefit, provides background information on this issue, as well as guidance for potential implementation. APTA members have unlimited access to the full library of APTA's Practice Advisories.

For questions related to this advisory, contact APTA Practice.