Physical Therapy Prescription: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
A physical therapy prescription, sometimes called an order or a referral, is a written or electronic document from a medical | A physical therapy prescription, sometimes called an order or a referral, is a written or electronic document, from a specific medical professional, authorizing the the need for a physical therapy evaluation and or treatment. | ||
Physical therapy care can currently be received in many areas via direct access, without the need for a physical therapy prescription. However, local regulations as well as insurance requirements still often require a physical therapy prescription. | Physical therapy care can currently be received in many areas via direct access, without the need for a physical therapy prescription. However, local regulations as well as insurance requirements still often require a physical therapy prescription under certain circumstances. | ||
== Components of a Physical Therapy Prescription == | == Components of a Physical Therapy Prescription == | ||
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Sometimes a prescription will only be for a physical therapy evaluation, but no treatment. In this case, the physical therapy evaluation will be performed and the documentation will be sent back to the authorizing medical practitioner, who will then decide whether to write a new prescription for further physical therapy treatment. | Sometimes a prescription will only be for a physical therapy evaluation, but no treatment. In this case, the physical therapy evaluation will be performed and the documentation will be sent back to the authorizing medical practitioner, who will then decide whether to write a new prescription for further physical therapy treatment. | ||
== | == Referring Practitioners == | ||
In | In most cases, in order for a physical therapy prescription of be accepted by a Physical Therapist, it must come from one of a few types of medical professionals. Generally, acceptable medical professionals are included below. However, local regulations may include some or all of those listed. | ||
* Physicians | * Physicians | ||
* Osteopathic physicians | |||
* Surgeons | * Surgeons | ||
* Podiatrists | |||
* Physician Assistants | * Physician Assistants | ||
* Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners | * Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners | ||
Revision as of 03:32, 31 May 2023
Introduction[edit | edit source]
A physical therapy prescription, sometimes called an order or a referral, is a written or electronic document, from a specific medical professional, authorizing the the need for a physical therapy evaluation and or treatment.
Physical therapy care can currently be received in many areas via direct access, without the need for a physical therapy prescription. However, local regulations as well as insurance requirements still often require a physical therapy prescription under certain circumstances.
Components of a Physical Therapy Prescription[edit | edit source]
Prescription formats can vary widely, but usually include the following information:
- Name and birthday of patient
- One or more International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code(s), associated with the need for physical therapy treatment
- A written explanation of the chief complaint or reason for the need for physical therapy intervention
- Recommended frequency of treatment
- Authorized length of the plan of care
- Name, signature, and license or identification number of medical practitioner authorizing care
- Name of clinic or institution medical practitioner is associated with, if applicable
- Contact information of medical practitioner
Sometimes a prescription will only be for a physical therapy evaluation, but no treatment. In this case, the physical therapy evaluation will be performed and the documentation will be sent back to the authorizing medical practitioner, who will then decide whether to write a new prescription for further physical therapy treatment.
Referring Practitioners[edit | edit source]
In most cases, in order for a physical therapy prescription of be accepted by a Physical Therapist, it must come from one of a few types of medical professionals. Generally, acceptable medical professionals are included below. However, local regulations may include some or all of those listed.
- Physicians
- Osteopathic physicians
- Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Physician Assistants
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners
- Dentists
- Chiropractors
Direct Access[edit | edit source]
Direct access means being able to receive physical therapy services without a physical therapy prescription.[1]
According to Piscitelli, Furmanek, Meroni, De Caro, and Pellicciari, a 2012 survey indicated that direct access to physical therapy services were available in 40 different countries.[1]
In the United States, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, as of February of 2021, there were 20 states that allowed direct access with no parameters or restrictions, 27 states, along with the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands, that allowed direct access with some form of parameters or restrictions, and three states that allowed direct access only under specific circumstances.[2]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Piscitelli, Furmanek, Meroni, De Caro, and Pellicciari. Direct access in physical therapy: a systematic review. Clin Ter. 2018; 169 (5):e249-260.
- ↑ American Physical Therapy Association. Levels of Patient Access to Physical Therapist Services in the U.S. Available from https://www.choosept.com/globalassets/choosept/assets/pdf-downloadables/direct-access-by-state-map.pdf (accessed 30 May, 2023)
