Diagnostic Imaging
What PTs can do in Maryland
The Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners opined that it is within the scope of practice for physical therapists to refer patients to a radiologist for radiological imaging and testing when appropriate, including x-ray, MRI, and CT scans, provided that the interpretation of such tests are be done by a radiologist.
*(August 2012 and again in March 2014)
- The Maryland Code of Regulations specifically limits the practice of radiation therapy and radiography without a license to practice radiography from Maryland’s State Board of Physicians.
- The Maryland Department of Health allows only attending physicians to order radiological services in comprehensive care facilities and extended care facilities.
- The Maryland Code of Regulations governs “independent diagnostic testing facilities” and requires that an imaging order come from a physician or non-physician practitioner who is enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.
Articles
Referral for Imaging in Physical Therapist Practice: Key Recommendations for Successful Implementation (Article PTJ)
“Referrals for imaging may be hand-written, typed, or entered within a diagnostic ordering portal as a component of the electronic medical record system. Regardless of the process to submit the referral for imaging, the physical therapist has a clear duty to convey necessary information to the radiologist.”
Putting Imaging Into Focus (Article)
The question isn’t “What is the physical therapist’s role in imaging,” but “What is the role of imaging in physical therapy?” Author: Chris Hayhurst
Continuing Education
APTA and other organizations offer imaging-focused continuing education courses and other resources. A few notable examples:
APTA Learning Center Course“Direct Ordering of Diagnostic Imaging by Physical Therapists: Updates From the Field”
Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Imaging Special Interest Group
Resources include the SIG’s 2021 Combined Sections Meeting presentation “Advances in Imaging Referral: Generating a New Pulse in Autonomous Physical Therapy Practice.”
APCA Registered in MSK Sonography Certification for Physical Therapists
By successfully completing the pathway of education and training, PTs can earn the Registered in Musculoskeletal (RMSK) sonography certification and improve their practice’s eligibility for AIUM practice accreditation.
UC San Diego Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Curriculum
The program includes online and teleguided training in point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound.