The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is seeking input from physical therapists (PTs) on possibly unnecessary physical therapy tests and procedures as it considers joining a national campaign to educate consumers on making informed health care choices. According to an APTA news release, as part of its Integrity in Practice initiative, the association is exploring the possibility of participating in the “Choosing Wisely” program, a national American of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation-sponsored project.
The project is designed to provide the public with lists of health care tests and procedures that may be unnecessary under certain circumstances. Consumer Reports is partnering with ABIM to promote the campaign.
APTA is gathering input on any PT-controlled procedure that tends to be done frequently or carry a significant cost, yet whose usefulness is called into question by evidence, as indicated on the APTA news release. APTA will assemble an expert panel to review and rate member submissions and will create a list of approximately 10 potential items that will be narrowed down to 5 by means of an all-member survey. The top 5 procedures will then go to the APTA Board of Directors for approval.
If the submitted procedures are approved for use by the ABIM Foundation, it would join similar lists provided by different organizations, including the American Geriatrics and Society and the North American Spine Society.
The deadline to provide opinions and input is April 4. To submit an online form, visit http://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/449dg55cd0.
Source: APTA
