Editorial Commentary: Where's the Respect? Physical Exam of the Shoulder.

ABSTRACT

On physical examination of the shoulder, and specifically the rotator cuff, the full and empty can tests associated with weakness are the tests of choice for supraspinatus tears. However, under the huge administrative burden and in the context of the primacy of imaging mandated by regulatory agencies and/or payor, medical insurance coverage for rotator cuff repairs requires other physical examination tests and many other criteria. Moreover, some propose to reduce or even eliminate regulatory requirements mandating documentation of a history and a physical examination. It could be prudent to leave the documentation of the history and examination to the discretion of providers. Respect must be shown for the physical exam!