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Imaging can help establish a diagnosis and management plan.
Expedited access to imaging findings can enhance diagnostic capabilities and optimize patient care.
A physical therapist's authority to order radiographic imaging for patients is governed by individual state laws or regulations. In contrast, with appropriate training, a physical therapist may perform and interpret ultrasound imaging, also called point‑of‑care ultrasound, or POCUS.
Resources:
- Review APTA's resource, State Advocacy for Imaging Orders by Physical Therapist, for state-specific guidance and advocacy tools to support PT authority to order imaging.
- Learn more about POCUS and explore educational opportunities.
- Connect with like-minded members in the APTA Orthopedics Imaging Community or the APTA Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management Neuromusculoskeletal Ultrasonography Special Interest Group.
- Consult payer policies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services webpage, Diagnostic Services by Physical Therapists.
Recommended Content
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The question isn't "What is the physical therapist's role in imaging," but "What is the role of imaging in physical therapy?"
Podcast
Data indicate that PTs refer for imaging less often and use it more appropriately than other first-contact providers.
Resource
Researchers focused on 10 PTs who had imaging privileges. The results make a strong case for PTs as appropriate, judicious referrers.
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As more PTs transition into direct access roles, it seems prudent to consider how additional resources common to other first-contact providers might impact patient care.
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At CSM 2018, Charles Hazle, PT, PhD, describes recent progress for physical therapists related to payment for sonography-related services.
Additional Imaging and Physical Therapy Content
Resource
This resource was developed to help APTA state chapters advocate for explicit authority for physical therapists to order imaging for patients.
Article
Relevant resources from the academy include and education manual and special interest group.
Roundup
From better insurer responsiveness to direct access improvements, to breakthroughs on PT use of imaging, lots of state-level achievements.