The Practitioner Paradigm

The Future of Physical Therapy: Breaking Down Barriers and Driving Real Change

In our latest podcast episode, two key themes emerged, among others: the complexities of implementing direct access and the need for a strategic approach to meaningful policy reform.

Let's start with direct access. While many states now officially allow some degree of direct access to physical therapy, we face a significant gap between having this freedom and utilizing it. Even in states with the most permissive laws, utilization remains low. This challenge extends beyond policy—it speaks to our professional culture, confidence, and readiness to embrace autonomy.

Are we prepared to be first-contact practitioners?

Do we have the necessary systems and support to handle this responsibility?

These questions demand our profession's attention.

The second theme concerns our approach to advocacy and policy change. We've traditionally focused on fighting Medicare rate cuts—an understandable but potentially misguided strategy.

What if we redirected our efforts toward more achievable goals?

Addressing the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR), for example, might yield better results. We could follow the radiologists' precedent in successfully challenging similar payment restrictions.

Another possibility is pursuing recognition as practitioners, which we think is a do-able and achievable goal, and seeking new billing codes, similar to behavioral health providers' achievements in collaborative care. These focused efforts could prove more effective than broad campaigns against rate reductions, especially since physician and specialist groups are allocating deploying resources to these efforts.

Our discussion with Ben Galin, who combines clinical expertise with business acumen, examines these issues in depth. He challenges conventional wisdom while offering practical insights about where to focus our efforts for maximum impact. His healthcare business perspective provides essential context for understanding these challenges.

Throughout the episode, we connect these issues to broader questions about our profession's future. What defines a physical therapist in today's healthcare landscape? How do we ensure our profession thrives rather than merely survives?

Listen to our full discussion of these vital issues. We think you’ll find it both thought-provoking and practical—exactly what we need as we work to advance our profession.

Subscribers-only article, where Alex does a literature review of falls prevention in older adults

From the YouTube channel to the podcast to community-only resources, we support the modern day physical therapist and other rehabilitation, allied health, and medical professionals who wants to get the most out of their clinical degree, experience, and expertise.