Physical Therapist Awareness of Diagnostic Imaging Referral Jurisdictional Scope of Practice: An Observational Study

Mabry L, Ross M, Reilly N, Young B, Keil A, Gisselman A, Davenport T, Goss D

Abstract accepted as a platform presentation for the 2024 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting

The purpose of this study was to examine physical therapist awareness and utilization of diagnostic imaging referral privileges. A secondary purpose was to determine if self-reported direct access frequency impacted diagnostic imaging referral or utilization of diagnostic imaging skills.

 There is a general lack of awareness of imaging privileges among physical therapists which appears to be influenced by level of jurisdictional scope. Awareness of imaging privileges significantly impacts its likelihood of incorporation into practice. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) should consider working with state boards to raise imaging privilege awareness potentially via integration into a jurisprudence exam. Additionally, this study further links diagnostic imaging referral as an essential tool for direct access. This further supports expansion of physical therapist diagnostic imaging referral to all 50 states consistent with direct access authority.