Direct Access For Physical Therapy

Direct access has been extensively promoted in the recent years including the “concept of using research evidence” (McGlynn & Cott, 2007, p. 242) in physical therapy. However, this is easier said than done. Factors including “time constraints” (McGlynn & Scott, 2007, p. 242) is one barrier that physical therapists encounter in their daily practice. Instead of basing decisions on research evidence, it has been noted in the article by McGlynn & Scott (2007) that “clinicians are basing their decisions on information sources other than those advocated for EBP” (p. 242) Physical therapists depend on their “peers, clinical experience, initial training, and continuing education” (McGlynn & Scott, 2007, p. 243) in their daily practice. Now,

This frees up the physician’s schedule to see only the medically necessary patients, whereas PTs can share the load of musculoskeletal evaluations. Mitchell and Lissovoy published a study in 1994 on the cost effectiveness of direct access to PTs. They found that the costs for PT visits were 123% higher when patients were first seen by a physician as compared to when they were seen by a physical therapist directly. Establishing close working relationships between medical doctors and PTs, with a 2-way referral of patients, is essential to reduce not only unnecessary referrals, but also improve patient satisfaction and create an efficient process for reducing overall medical costs.

I believe impacting the lives of other people positively in the society is a great achievement. As a physical therapist in future, I will leave an impression by helping patients to obtain maximum health care through rehabilitation. Furnished with knowledge from a program of physical therapy specialist, I will help patients to manage pain, improve their movement, limit or prevent permanent disabilities and restore functioning (Porter and Teisberg, 2006). My aim is to offer high quality care that will eventually help patients to promote their health and fitness through active

Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law in March 2010, a few things have changed in the provision of physical therapy services, in specific productivity standards and reimbursement in outpatient physical therapy clinics. The Affordable Care Act has resulted in an increased demand for physical therapy services primarily due to the construction of the Health Insurance Marketplace. This created new health insurance options to help Americans acquire health insurance, who previously were not able to afford it. Although the ACA is a very extensive and complex piece of legislation, it has ultimately resulted in more individuals who are eligible for physical therapy services. This increased demand not only comes from the ACA but also from reimbursement cuts from insurance companies, subsequently causing physical therapists to overload their schedules as a means to offset these cuts. These demands are without factoring in the aging baby boomer population, which is expected to increased the physical therapist need by 30% from 2008 to 2018 (cite). Physical therapy is about providing the best patient care, however patient care is also a business and businesses are centered on revenue. Below are some of the current proposed solutions along with personal solutions and insight on the productivity issue.

I believe that my personal and professional growth and behavior as a physical therapist is of utmost importance. I base this firstly on my strong connection to those in society who are disadvantaged when it comes to physical therapy, and also on the movement system, movement being “the key to optimal living and quality of life for all people that extends beyond health to every person’s ability to participate in and contribute to society” (American Physical Therapy Association, 2013). This perspective, I believe, is aligned perfectly with the vision statement for the physical therapy profession – to transform society through optimization of movement to improve the human experience (APTA, 2013). After reviewing the vision statement, I strongly believe it will act as my guide by strengthening compassion, reinforcing advocacy, improving quality of service, and strengthening cohesion.

So, I am going to clear up some of these myths. These myths are from a article I read called 7 Direct Access Myths Debunked. One topic is that it only applies to private outpatient Physical Therapy Practices. The truth is that is applies to many other areas as well like private pay home care or sports field and performing arts venues, etc. So it's not just applied for one group. If you really need serious go to a physical therapy clinic but you still might have to get approval from your primary care physician. Another Myth is that Direct access doesn’t exist in every state. That is somewhat true but there are different levels of direct access. A state my just limit the amount or put a limit on it. So a form of direct access does exist in every state so you just have to figure out what works best for you. Mississippi is one of the six states that has strict limitations that still require approval. Another myth is that allowing patients coming without a referral from their physician puts their health at risk. “Physical Therapist are doctoral-level medical professionals whose training and education make them more than qualified to not only conduct initial evaluations, but also recognize when a patient’s medical needs fall outside of their scope”(Andrus). Physical Therapist are doctors. They go to med-school like every other doctor does. They can see when a Patient needs therapy or not. According to Apta’s Guide of Professional Conduct it is required that PT’s should evaluate the patient for signs and symptoms of damage for therapy. A doctor would not just treat someone without evaluating

As a practicing physical therapist in the state of Georgia, and over 35 years of clinical experience in this healthcare field, I am writing to you today to gain the support of your insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) in the recent achievement of direct access for physical therapists in Georgia. Currently, patients in the state of Georgia now have direct access to physical therapists without the requirement of a physician referral; however under the current health care system physical therapists are still prevented from providing necessary medical treatment to patients, on the account of that services rendered under direct access are not reimbursed by BCBSGA. This extra step places a burden to the consumer by increasing

The purpose of this research study is to determine through statistical evidence that physical therapist do or do not play a major role in helping patients with chronic diseases.

In this text, I concern myself with physical therapy as a career alternative. In so doing, I will amongst other things identify a number of services within the said career alternative. Further, in addition to discussing the roles of the workforce within the identified services, I will also highlight the impact of the said roles on health care organizations.

Concept of direct access is not new to Physical therapy. It become more popular after APTA’s vision 2020 was announced. According to Crist, Mc Vay & Marocco (2014) in Understanding of vision behind vision 2020 “ Consumer will have direct access for the diagnosis, intervention and prevention of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health.” Majority of state in USA has full or limited direct access for physical therapy.(Ojha, Snyder & Davenport 2014) . Even though research prove that direct access physical therapy improve patient care with reduce wait time and same time be cost effective not only for patient but also for insurance and hospitals (Ojha, Snyder & Davenport 2014) we are still limited in use of direct access due to various reasons.

Physical Therapy programs are presented as a master’s (MPT, MSPT, MS) or doctoral (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program. In order to be admitted to a DPT, MPT, MSPT, or MS program you have to first either completely obtain, or have been working at least three years closer to an undergraduate baccalaureate accredited

). If this is the case, it is might as well be beneficial to have one PT Practice Act across the board. We could eliminate the need for physical therapists and assistants

The scope of practice in the physical therapy profession is always changing and growing with new evidence, education, and social needs. The scope of practice is made up of three parts, professional, jurisdictional, and personal. The professional scope of practice is found upon the understanding, educational training, and evidence emerging from the therapy practice. The jurisdictional scope of practice is based on the particular state’s licensure procedures and policy. The personal scope of practice consists of the activities the therapist is familiar with and where they were trained to perform these activities expertly. (The Physical Therapist Scope of Practice.

Having the knowledge that Physical therapists should have to be able to practice autonomously in their profession will equip these professionals to cope with the ever changing medical practice. PTs are slowly working on “Vision 2020” of APTA (2016), wherein we are going to be DPTs, practicing autonomously with direct access, using evidence-based practice, showing professionalism all the time, to be the preferred providers (practitioner of choice) for most patients.

It is not just my specialization that clients seek out. It is my one-on-one approach to caring for my patients. I have received good feedback that they like the way I address problems and offer outcomes that have proven to be very successful. Since a doctor's recommendation is no longer required before starting physical therapy, feel free to see me. I am welcoming anyone experiencing