How to Check a Physical Therapist's Qualifications
It's imperative to trust that your therapist has been properly trained and certified as a physical therapist. Many therapists have additional training in specialty areas and offer additional certifications as a profit-increasing endeavor. This may be a good thing, from the patients perspective, if the therapist you find has received additional experience in treating your specific injury. While graduation from a medical program is important, more important is the licensing process. Follow these steps to learn how to verify a therapist has proven competency in treatment techniques, and is up to
date
with patient care standards.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Investigate Your Physical Therapist
1
Ask your physical therapist about their qualifications, education and training. Don't assume that a proper office appearance is all that's necessary to provide legitimate care.
2
Look to see what is displayed on the office walls. Check to see that there is a visible document that shows the current standing of the therapist's license.
3
Check with your "Department of Consumer Affairs" if you believe a practitioner is operating without proper qualifications. You may be able to save future patients from harm by being alert.
4
Call your state "Medical Board of Examiners" and inquire as to whether or not a practitioner has completed the qualifications for a license.
Know your Patient Rights
1
Read information about patient rights to be a fully-informed consumer.
2
Refuse treatment if you feel it's not in your best interest or if you believe it will negatively impact your injury. You have the right to discontinue care for yourself, assuming you're in a capable state of mind.
3
Be aware that you have the right to a medical review for any complaint you file against your doctor. This includes the level of treatment, service provided or condition of facilities.
4
Learn more about patients' rights at the "National Institutes of Health" Web site (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
Trust your instincts. If your research is sending up red flags, check into your information until you can verify its validity.
Treat your injury best with early diagnosis to begin effective treatment as early as possible.
Know that it's illegal for therapists to practice without a current license.
Set aside time to make a medical directive. If you become incapacitated, your wishes will still be carried out.
Don't use physical therapists in a medical emergency. If you're having symptoms like balance problems, vomiting or bleeding, go to the hospital immediately.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033128_check-physical-therapists.html
It's imperative to trust that your therapist has been properly trained and certified as a physical therapist. Many therapists have additional training in specialty areas and offer additional certifications as a profit-increasing endeavor. This may be a good thing, from the patients perspective, if the therapist you find has received additional experience in treating your specific injury. While graduation from a medical program is important, more important is the licensing process. Follow these steps to learn how to verify a therapist has proven competency in treatment techniques, and is up to
date
with patient care standards.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
Investigate Your Physical Therapist
1
Ask your physical therapist about their qualifications, education and training. Don't assume that a proper office appearance is all that's necessary to provide legitimate care.
2
Look to see what is displayed on the office walls. Check to see that there is a visible document that shows the current standing of the therapist's license.
3
Check with your "Department of Consumer Affairs" if you believe a practitioner is operating without proper qualifications. You may be able to save future patients from harm by being alert.
4
Call your state "Medical Board of Examiners" and inquire as to whether or not a practitioner has completed the qualifications for a license.
Know your Patient Rights
1
Read information about patient rights to be a fully-informed consumer.
2
Refuse treatment if you feel it's not in your best interest or if you believe it will negatively impact your injury. You have the right to discontinue care for yourself, assuming you're in a capable state of mind.
3
Be aware that you have the right to a medical review for any complaint you file against your doctor. This includes the level of treatment, service provided or condition of facilities.
4
Learn more about patients' rights at the "National Institutes of Health" Web site (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
Trust your instincts. If your research is sending up red flags, check into your information until you can verify its validity.
Treat your injury best with early diagnosis to begin effective treatment as early as possible.
Know that it's illegal for therapists to practice without a current license.
Set aside time to make a medical directive. If you become incapacitated, your wishes will still be carried out.
Don't use physical therapists in a medical emergency. If you're having symptoms like balance problems, vomiting or bleeding, go to the hospital immediately.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2033128_check-physical-therapists.html
