Writing a physical therapy prescription is easy! Write “Evaluate and Treat,” and include any other pertinent information, like precautions, limitations, or suggested/recommended treatments, and FAX it to us. That way we can contact the patient and start effective, evidence-based treatments immediately.
Therapy Prescriptions are Required in Texas
Because physical therapists are much more involved in caring for their patients than political activism, the State of Texas is one of only a few areas of the industrialized world where a prescription is required to initiate physical therapy treatment.
Legal Parameters
After relocating to Texas, I contacted the Executive Council of Physical and Occupational Therapy Examiners to find out what the legal parameters were surrounding a therapy prescription. I had just received a therapy prescription that said “Patellofemoral pain. Hamstring stretches, straight leg raises, home exercise program.”
In this case, ECPTOTE informed me that my entire treatment program, unless modified/replaced by another order, would be restricted to only those two exercises. No other intervention is legally allowed. Application of an ice pack (or the recommendation of ice) would violate Texas law.
In most cases, a very restrictive prescription like this was not the intention of the prescribing physician, but was an omission of “Evaluate and Treat” before making specific treatment recommendations. Regardless of the reason, we must amend the order to provide appropriate care outside of those treatments explicitly allowed.
Why Should I refer patients to physical therapy?
- For timely conservative care of orthopedic injuries
- To get your patients back to work, athletics, and life as soon as possible
- To empower your patients to take care of themselves
When should I refer patients to a physical therapist?
- Musculoskeletal complaints of duration > 6 weeks
- Any loss of passive range of motion
- Tendonitis prior to becoming tendonopathy
- Injuries that interfere with work or athletics
What should I write on the prescription?
- “Evaluate and Treat” allos the therapist to use his/her professional discretion
- Note any limitations/restrictions that should be observed
- Frequency, duration, and modalities do not generally need to be noted, unless you have specific preferences
Why should I fax the patient’s prescription?
- To maintain continuity of care – you will receive timely communication to let you know if there is a problem or delay in initiating treatment
- To avoid procrastination/compliance problems – we will contact each patient to be started as soon as possible
- To avoid confusion – we can verify benefits, give specific directions, and refer to another in-network therapist, if needed
What kind of feedback do I get?
- Initial Evaluation and Treatment Plan (sign the back page and return if required)
- Routine Progress Notes (sign the back page and return if required)
- Discharge Note to inform you of the patient’s final disposition
Where is Terry Rehabilitation & Testing?
- Click Here for addresses and directions
- Call (972) 939-6501 for specific directions
What if I have questions or concerns?
- Contact us at (972) 939-6501
- Fax us at (866) 451-0585
