Referral for Imaging in Physical Therapist Practice: Key Recommendations for Successful Implementation.

In recent years, the use of diagnostic imaging in physical therapist practice in the United States has gained considerable interest. In several countries around the world and in the US military, patient direct referral for diagnostic imaging has been considered normative practice for decades. US physical therapy program accreditation standards now stipulate that diagnostic imaging content must be included in physical therapist educational curricula. The American Physical Therapy Association has made efforts to pursue practice authority for imaging referral. A recent review of state practice acts and other statutory language concluded that many states have no prohibitions against physical therapists referring for imaging studies. Additionally, physical therapists can now pursue certification as musculoskeletal sonographers. In light of these advances, and with a growing number of physical therapists serving patients who have not yet seen another health care provider, it may be helpful for those who have been actively involved in the use of imaging in physical therapist practice to provide their collective recommendations to serve as a guideline to those interested in incorporating this practice privilege. The purpose of this perspective article is to provide an overview of the key elements necessary for effective implementation of referral for imaging in physical therapist practice while emphasizing the cornerstone of effective communication.

Ordering of Diagnostic Imaging by Physical Therapists: A 5-Year Retrospective Practice Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Significant progress has been made in implementing direct access. As more therapists transition into direct access roles, it seems prudent to consider how additional resources common to other first-contact providers might impact patient care. OBJECTIVES: Direct referral for diagnostic imaging by physical therapists is relatively rare in the civilian setting and little has been published on the subject. The primary objective of this study was to examine the appropriateness of diagnostic imaging studies referred by civilian physical therapists at an academic medical center. Secondary objectives were to track reimbursement data and overall use rates. DESIGN: This was a single-center, retrospective practice analysis of 10 physical therapists over a period of nearly 5 years. METHODS: The electronic medical record was reviewed for each patient who had an imaging referral placed by a physical therapist. Relevant clinical exam findings and patient history were provided to a radiologist who then applied the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria to determine appropriateness. Reimbursement data and therapist use rates were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 108 total imaging studies, 91% were considered appropriate. Overall, use rates per direct access evaluation were 9% for plain film x-rays and 4% for advanced imaging. Reimbursement was 100%. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited to 10 physical therapists at 1 practice location. Appropriateness was evaluated by 1 radiologist. The educational background of referring therapists was not evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapists demonstrated appropriate use of diagnostic imaging in the vast majority of cases (91%). They were judicious in their use of imaging, and there were no issues with reimbursement. These findings could be useful for physical therapists interested in acquiring diagnostic imaging referral privileges.

CT restaging of testicular germ cell tumors: The incidence of isolated pelvic metastases.

PURPOSE: We determined the incidence of isolated pelvic metastases at restaging computed tomography (CT) in patients with testicular germ cell tumors to consider if imaging the pelvis could be omitted. METHODS: After receiving IRB approval for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study, medical records of 560 men (mean age 32.8) with 583 testicular germ cell tumors who underwent 3683 restaging CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis were reviewed to determine the proportion of patients with metastatic disease in the pelvis alone, as verified by histology or by resolution after therapy. Chi-square statistical analysis tested the association between factors currently thought to predispose patients to pelvic metastases. Patients were also categorized by clinical stage, tumor histology, and initial treatment. RESULTS: Isolated pelvic metastases were detected in nine (1.6%) of 560 men. Neither bulky abdominal disease (p=0.85) nor extratesticular invasion by the primary tumor (p=0.37) were statistically significant in predicting which patients were more likely to have isolated pelvic metastases. Among the nine patients with isolated pelvic recurrence, only three (0.7%) of 408 men with no known pelvic disease at initial staging and no tumor marker elevation at restaging had isolated pelvic metastases. Isolated pelvic recurrence was not statistically different when analyzed by initial stage and treatment. CONCLUSION: The incidence of isolated pelvic metastases in testicular germ cell tumors at restaging CT is low, but no group of patients was found to be without risk. Therefore, given the small, if any, risk of radiation-induced harm, the decision about whether to include routine pelvic CT in surveillance protocols should be individualized.