Imaging: A Primer for Physical Therapist Practice

The Wisconsin Physical Therapy Practice Act recently changed, allowing physical therapists to order x-rays. The new language was adopted because such practice is patient-centered; allowing the patient to receive the necessary care in the most direct manner, and such practice will also reduce costs for the patient and the health care system.

This seminar is designed to meet the state requirements for participants to order x-rays by providing the physical therapist with the knowledge and skill set to decide when ordering x-rays is AND is not an appropriate action. Clinical guidelines related to when x-rays are indicated will be emphasized, along with general strengths and limitations of this imaging modality. In addition to identifying when a patient referral is indicated based on x-ray findings, other ways x-ray findings may impact therapists' plans of care will be discussed.

Considering fracture suspicion will be a primary reason for ordering x-rays, the clinical red flags associated with fracture risk will be presented in detail. In addition, x-ray indication for common patient populations with low back, neck, hip, knee, and shoulder pain will be discussed. Lecture, discussion and patient case scenarios will form the basis of this seminar.

An 80% or higher score on the post course exam must be obtained in order to receive a completion certificate through the CEU Locker Testing system.