When medical or psychosocial diagnoses are present or suspected, the PT must decide what?

When medical or psychosocial diagnoses are present or suspected, the PT must decide what?

• A. Whether PT is indicated or contraindicated
• B. What to treat first
• C. Whether to refer to another provider
• D. The appropriate billing code

Answer: (A)

When medical or psychosocial diagnoses are present or suspected, safety and appropriateness guide the decision. The physical therapist must determine whether physical therapy is indicated or contraindicated. Indicated means the patient can benefit from PT and the condition does not create risk that would be worsened by therapy; the therapist can proceed with evaluation and intervention. Contraindicated means there are findings (or red flags) that make PT unsafe or inappropriate, so therapy should be withheld or stopped and medical clearance or referral to another provider is needed before proceeding. In practice, this involves screening for red flags, considering how a medical or psychosocial condition could affect participation and response to treatment, and coordinating care with the appropriate medical or mental health professionals when necessary.

When medical or psychosocial diagnoses are present or suspected, safety and appropriateness guide the decision. The physical therapist must determine whether physical therapy is indicated or contraindicated. Indicated means the patient can benefit from PT and the condition does not create risk that would be worsened by therapy; the therapist can proceed with evaluation and intervention. Contraindicated means there are findings (or red flags) that make PT unsafe or inappropriate, so therapy should be withheld or stopped and medical clearance or referral to another provider is needed before proceeding. In practice, this involves screening for red flags, considering how a medical or psychosocial condition could affect participation and response to treatment, and coordinating care with the appropriate medical or mental health professionals when necessary.