Physical Therapy Diagnosis: Role and Function

Introduction

The Need to Define Role and Function

The need to define the role and function of diagnosis in physical therapy practice stems from the importance of distinguishing this diagnosis from those made by other health care practitioners. Identifying the role and function of physical therapy diagnoses also should provide evidence that they have distinguishing characteristics, are limited to our body of knowledge and scope of practice, and are complementary to (and not in conflict with) diagnoses made by other health care practitioners. The current political-legal aspects of this issue mandate that the profession clearly communicate that the intention of the physical therapy diagnosis is not to infringe on the practice of others or to assume roles that are beyond the scope of our education and training.

These political-legal issues include the prerogative and extent of involvement of the physical therapist in the diagnostic process. Resolution of these issues is done within the legislative arena.

Decision making, Diagnosis, Physical therapy profession, professional issues