In November of 2007 Physical Therapists
in New York State were granted the right to evaluate
and treat a patient without a prescription from a
Physician, Dentist, Podiatrist or Nurse Practitioner.
New York became the 43rd state to allow autonomoy to
Physical Therapists. Insurance companies that
reimburse for Physical Therapy services still require
a prescription however many individuals decide to seek
out a Physical Therapist's services on a private pay
basis regardless. The most frequent reason being:
" I would rather the therapist do the evaluation and I will pay just to see if there is anything that Physical Therapy can do for me." The cost of copays is going up and if a patient can skip the copay at the Doctor and avoid a delay in being seen then the visit not reimbursed by the insurance becomes worthwhile. The patient will often take the Physical Therapy report to the Doctor's visit and obtain a prescription so the duration of their PT sessions can be partially reimbursed by the insurance plan.
Having been a Physical Therapist for 27 years and being the daughter of a Physical Therapist I have an historical perspective on the profession. Respect for a profession is based on the actions of the indfividuals and no piece of legislation can enforce professionalism. Having been granted this higher degree of responsibility challenges all practitioners to acquire the knowledge and skill to rise to this level of compeetency.
A dog's perspective that allows them to look ahead while remaining alert to all directions, especially what travelled the path before them.