Hot Topics, Action Items, and Passion Projects

This page highlights emerging frontiers within primary care physical therapy. We would love to have you join us in further developing these areas. Get involved today by reaching out to the point of contact for your area of interest. 

Mentorship

We are getting ready to kick off our 2024 Primary Care SIG mentorship program. Please use this survey to provide feedback on our previous mentorship program, share what you are interested in getting out of the 2024 cohort, and also indicate your interest in participating in the 2024 mentorship cohort. We are so grateful for everyone who participated last year and shared their expertise, and we aim to improve this program so that it continues to benefit our members. If you have time please fill out this survey, and be on the lookout for additional messages in the future. If you have questions please contact Layne Compton via email or Basecamp.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Point of care musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) is becoming an increasingly popular tool within primary care physical therapy practice. When combined with a thorough clinical exam, MSK US has the ability to provide specific information about various MSK pathologies and phases of tissue healing which allows clinicians to develop a more precise prognosis and plan of care. In addition to streamlining early clinical decision-making, MSK US adds a powerful dimension to our patient education. As movement experts, we often have a unique opportunity to shape the narrative surrounding a patient's medical diagnoses, imaging findings, rehab potential, and functional goals. Taking ownership of MSK US within the primary care PT realm allows us to speak to these topics with more precision and strengthen collaboration with both our patients and primary care colleagues. Check out our basecamp page for MSK US case discussions and contact us if you'd like to learn more about implementing this into your practice.

Advanced Privileging

The Primary Care SIG is constantly advocating for legislation that supports physical therapists in practicing at the top of our license. Here are some updates from the past year:

    • The Department of Defense acknowledged the value of PTs as Primary Care providers for neuromusculoskeletal experts for armed forces access in all branches of the military. The Defense Health Agency is rolling out direct access pilots at 13 more sites in the next 18 months with the ultimate goal of Department-wide direct access by the end of 2025.
    • Legislative wins last year brought increased access and less authorization requirements for private practice settings with regards to insurance requirements and PTA practice in outpatient settings.
    • Only four states remain that specifically bar physical therapists from ordering imaging.
    • The future is bright for potential to allow additional privileges including prescription rights, injections, and ordering labs.
We are always looking for more people to get involved at their state level working as key contacts and legislative first contacts. You can learn more about your state's involvement in upcoming legislation by joining the APTA Advocacy Network. Your voice matters in demonstrating the value of physical therapists to monetary and health infrastructure. Join our team in Washington D.C. for APTA Hill Day to meet with Congressional leaders and discuss important policy/legislative changes. Please contact us if you'd like to learn more.
 

Primary Care Petition

We are excited to announce that phase 2 of the Petition for the Primary Care PT Specialty Area of Practice has been submitted and is pending ABPTS and ABPTRFE review. Based on the checkpoints for this review process, our target is to get this to HOD by 2025. Thank you to everyone who completed our surveys and has supported this project along the way.

Direct Access

Our profession has made substantial progress in regards to furthering direct access legislation.  Every state and the District of Columbia now has some form of direct access provision.  Unfortunately, some state provisions are still quite restrictive and significant barriers persist at the local and institutional level in regards to implementation.

We’re here to help.

Whether you’re just starting out on your journey to learning more about Direct Access or you are a seasoned veteran looking to help advance the cause in your circle of influence, we’re here for you.

We’ll guide you through navigating the complex world of state and institutional regulations and if you’d like, we’ll work with you to create a customized plan to bring about lasting change.

It takes one person to be the catalyst for change.  Will you be the one?

APTA: Direct Access at the State Level

FSBPT Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide Topic: Direct Access

FSBPT Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide Topic: Direct Access Language 

 

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