Looking beyond vision 2020

[GoSparta]

What is everyone's thoughts on how PT will look 10 years from now? Reading on what was discussed at the last APTA CSM, PT's will be branding themselves as the movement specialist. The DPT is the first step, and PT's will attempt be involved with patients more frequently. We are not trying to take over the role of physicians (DO and MD). I am all for teamwork to put the patient in the best position for success. People will go from saying "the PT" to "my PT". These are at least the goals of APTA from what I understand as the healthcare reform will give patients a bit more room for choosing who they see.

My question is, do you think PT will always be known as rehab specialist, or will we be at the forefront of prevention and all things movement? Of course healthcare may change again, but given how things are looking what is everyone thoughts? Whatever you think, the landscape that allows change is a bit exciting isn't it?

I am currently a trainer with a CSCS and USAW, and attending PT school this coming fall to help people rehab, but more than anything, understand the entire spectrum of human movement. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

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[sharpieaccent]

will this effect the reimbursement rates in any way?

 

[PTpro]

I don't know if changing what we're "known" for will change anything. When it comes down to it all that will matter is what insurance companies are willing to reimburse for. For example, we'll probably never get to the point of ordering imaging for patients without them going back to their orthopedist first, even though we all know PT's have more exhaustive assessment training than ortho's (no offense). The MD's own the AMA and would never give up their little "bonus" piece of the pie. Why would they want to? Patient comes in and says my knee still hurts after a few visits w/PT and the therapist tells the doc they should get an image done so the doc orders an MRI. 15 min and $150 later the doc made quick cash and the patient is doing exactly what the PT would have ordered...

Now that my rant is done I hope some day this will change but I think it would have to take more than 10 years. Basically all of the MSPT's would have to be retired to level the scope across the field once 100% of us are DPT then then the ball can get rolling. Not that the MSPT's aren't good enough but that silly little letter will make a difference eventually.

 

[keyboardmouse]

What does this even mean?

 

[BNDPT]

What is everyone's thoughts on how PT will look 10 years from now? Reading on what was discussed at the last APTA CSM, PT's will be branding themselves as the movement specialist. The DPT is the first step, and PT's will attempt be involved with patients more frequently. We are not trying to take over the role of physicians (DO and MD). I am all for teamwork to put the patient in the best position for success. People will go from saying "the PT" to "my PT". These are at least the goals of APTA from what I understand as the healthcare reform will give patients a bit more room for choosing who they see.

My question is, do you think PT will always be known as rehab specialist, or will we be at the forefront of prevention and all things movement? Of course healthcare may change again, but given how things are looking what is everyone thoughts? Whatever you think, the landscape that allows change is a bit exciting isn't it?

I am currently a trainer with a CSCS and USAW, and attending PT school this coming fall to help people rehab, but more than anything, understand the entire spectrum of human movement. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

The current push is for PTs to become recognized as movement specialists. If you want to find out more, I recommend reading this article by Dr. Sahrmann:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24627430

 

[PTPhoenix]

The current push is for PTs to become recognized as movement specialists. If you want to find out more, I recommend reading this article by Dr. Sahrmann:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24627430

Great link! Thanks!

 

[sharpieaccent]

Anybody know with anymore input?

 

[jadedphysiotherapist]

Anybody know with anymore input?

Education timelength changes due to debt. A greater push for certifications for certain referral networks.

 

[jadedphysiotherapist]

I don't know if changing what we're "known" for will change anything. When it comes down to it all that will matter is what insurance companies are willing to reimburse for. For example, we'll probably never get to the point of ordering imaging for patients without them going back to their orthopedist first, even though we all know PT's have more exhaustive assessment training than ortho's (no offense). The MD's own the AMA and would never give up their little "bonus" piece of the pie. Why would they want to? Patient comes in and says my knee still hurts after a few visits w/PT and the therapist tells the doc they should get an image done so the doc orders an MRI. 15 min and $150 later the doc made quick cash and the patient is doing exactly what the PT would have ordered...

Now that my rant is done I hope some day this will change but I think it would have to take more than 10 years. Basically all of the MSPT's would have to be retired to level the scope across the field once 100% of us are DPT then then the ball can get rolling. Not that the MSPT's aren't good enough but that silly little letter will make a difference eventually.

Ordering has come through in a state. I'm not sure how that will affect payment. I'm assuming pay increase since you'd receive compensation for being able to differentiate the exact tissue that has injury. Currently, therapists aren't being compensated by CMS and insurance for differential dx and lab order and imaging interpretation. I believe the ordering clinician receives payment.I was teaching a family med resident the special tests (positive pain provocation tests) we do one time......she was astounded that we actually are being taught how to isolate injury so well. Very nice person too.

Pain medicine, sports med, primary care, and orthopaedics are probably going to be flipping out over there though when they realize patients are getting directly to the correct servicer without a walkin to them first. Although there is nothing inherently wrong or unethical about it. It's just business interests.

I'm curious if it will get overutilized or if malpractice insurance starts to become a big thing for them over there.