Implementation of an Alternative Pathway for Patients Seeking Care for Low Back Pain: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Background: In the United States, low back pain (LBP) is among the most common symptoms prompting a health care visit. Patients can receive escalated care, such as advanced imaging or invasive procedures, before guideline-recommended options offered by physical therapists. A guideline-concordant alternative care pathway (RapidAccess) that emphasized early physical therapy for patients with LBP before they consulted a physiatrist was implemented.