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.

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.