Physical therapists seek direct access

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Physical therapists have in the past proposed legislation to allow the profession to examine, evaluate, diagnose and initiate treatment for a patient without consultation with a physician. The PT community claims that removing the referral requirement is another step toward making health care more accessible and more affordable to more people by eliminating the cost of a physician visit. KMS, however, will continue to present the position that physical therapy services should be provided under the supervision of a physician to ensure that all underlying medical conditions of the patient have been properly diagnosed to clear them for physical therapy treatment or other services. Patient outcomes and safety are the highest priority and the provision of medical care requires the necessary education, training and experience that only members of the physician community possess.