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Welcome to Worldwide Physical Therapy Practice: a focus on Primary Care Physical Therapy

This is a project created by and for the students in the School of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine Florida. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

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Patient Access to Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy Services / Entry Point

Physical therapy practice is determined by the type of health coverage, the primary point of entry is the physician who diagnoses, refers and determines the length of the treatment. Some insurances require a pre-authorization process for the duration, frequency and amount of sessions. Copayments are required with most plans. However, in many cases the physical therapist can access patients directly and determine the amount and duration of treatment when the client is paying cash.
Due to the differences in economic, geographical and disability conditions, limited physical therapy access and quality of care represent a difficulty to certain rural populations. Urban areas have the most access to health services.
Physical therapy in Colombia is working towards the standards set by the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) in terms of gaining direct access and the recognition of the physical therapist as a primary care provider.

Therapist Preparation

Physical therapy in Colombia offers many opportunities in the in the areas of clinical intervention, ergonomics and occupational health , physical activity and sports, public health, rehabilitation, education and research. Graduates obtain a university degree with emphasis in academic education, practical rotations and research. Today, physical therapy is offered in 33 programs around the country, with 8 programs accredited with high quality standards.

The physical therapy program duration is 5 years (170 credits divided between mandatory, professional and elective credits). Students have the opportunity as an option for graduation to travel overseas to universities across EU, Australia and Europe.