2] Screening For Medical Referral Flashcards
“Responsible for decisions regarding the physical therapy needs of our patients”
Autonomous practice
“Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants consistently demonstrate core values by aspiring to
and wisely applying principles of altruism,
excellence, caring, ethics, respect, communication
and accountability, and by working together with
other professionals to achieve optimal health and
wellness in individuals and communities.”
Professionalism
3 choices for PT with patients
Refer/consult
Dx and treat
Dx, treat and refer
“to determine thecause and nature of a
pathological condition; to
recognize a disease”
MD Dx
Process and end result of evaluating exam/data which the therapist organizes to help determine the prognosis and most appropriate intervention
PT Dx
“diagnosis based on comparison of
symptoms of two or more similar diseases to
determine which the patient is suffering from”
Differential Dx
Classification of a specific mvmt impairment
PT differential Dx
What is medical screening?
Process of evaluating pt exam data to decide if they should be referred
When does the medical screen occur?
Initial exam but its also an ongoing process
Risk factors are specific to
Certain conditions
Important for disease prevention
• Possible factors indicating referral to physician is appropriate
• Educational opportunity
Risk factors
Most common risk factors
Age Sex Race FH PMH SH Self assessment Work/living environment
A brief exam of anatomical and physiological status
Systems review
What is a review of systems?
Tool to recognize a cluster of associated signs and Sx and need for medical referral
Identify potential health problems
• Decision-making
• Communication with physician – signs & symptoms
What review of systems is useful for
Warning history
Signs
Sx
Red flags
Cautionary history
Signs
Sx
Yellow flags
Red flag: medical referral is based on
Presence of cluster of red flags OR both red flags and risk factors
Why is it important to screen for medical disease?
Direct access Pts get sick fast Referral Red/yellow flags Pt and doc disclosure
Most important tool in screening for medical disease/need for referral
Client interview
