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I have noted Direct Access in the past through prior posts and a high supporter of the move to autonomous practice. I feel this is the right direction for the profession not only for an acceptance as qualified clinicians by the medical field, but predominantly for the patients; whom, I feel, benefit significantly from our services that are currently limited.
 This can be a long discussion and can veer down many paths, but I do want to hear from others mainly concerning the success of Direct Access (or even treatment as a whole) without imaging. Even though I, you and many others (here and here) know that imaging is over-utilized, it is limiting us as a profession due to everyone wanting to get either an x-ray or MRI.
I recently wrote a post on the loss of the clinical exam here with a high number of responses so I know this is a hot topic.
Is it a type of subconscious way of feeling better inside for the individual or is this the way it has always been and will it change?
If our profession wants to advance further with autonomous practice, is getting the ability to order imaging (other than PTs in the military whom have this capability) needed to stay with the pack?
Are you comfortable treating without imaging? How much of a mechanical response to our treatment is enough to be cleared?
What are you saying to your patients if you see them under Direct Access or even referral from a physician but have not had any imaging? Or, how long do you treat under Direct Access until you decide that you, yourself, needs imaging to cover anything missed?
Harrison Vaughan, PT, DPT, Cert. SMT is a physical therapist at In Touch Therapy in South Hill, Virginia. His clinical interests involve orthopedic and manual physical therapy, including clinical diagnostic tests. He enjoys treating the spine but his dynamic work setting in a rural area provides an opportunity to treat a wide variety ranging from pediatrics to the neurological population. Harrison received both his Bachelors of Science degree and Doctor of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Vaughan is certified in Spinal Manipulative Therapy through the Spinal Manipulative Institute and American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association with a special subsection in Sports and Orthopedics and currently assists as Co-Chair of Technology position of the Virginia Physical Therapy Association. More of Harrison’s blogs can be found at http://intouchpt.wordpress.com.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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