American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Vision 2020 is similar to a jigsaw puzzle. To appreciate the whole picture, we have to piece together the interlocking tabs and pockets of the puzzle. Clinical decision-making (CDM) serves as the tabs and pockets of APTA Vision 2020. CDM works as a link among the elements of Vision 2020, namely: autonomous practice, direct access, doctor of physical therapy degree, lifelong education, evidence-based practice, a practitioner of choice and professionalism (APTA, n.d.). An effective and efficient patient care is founded on CDM (Wainwright, Shepard, Harman, & Stephens, 2011). All clinicians had developed from a novice, intermediate and experienced therapists. Each one of us had undergone a metamorphosis…
"Who Are Physical Theraphy Assistants?" n.d. APTA ( American Physical Therapy Association). 30 October 2012. <http://www.apta.org/AboutPTAs/>.…
Under the PPACA, primary care will have the responsibility of increasing same-day access with the expectation of reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Although, the PPACA attempted to address this challenge with a stimulus package which guaranteed to train additional primary doctors the burden would be too great. As it has been noted by 2030 the country will experience an estimated shortage of physicians between 40,800 to 104,900; and primary care’s deficient is approximated to be between 8,700 and 43,100 (Mann, 2017). Fewer Insurance…
The field of physical therapy requires the ability to relate well to people, not only in a physician - patient scenario, but also in the constant interaction with other health care professionals. It aims to restore movement and function, relieve pain, and prevent illness and injury. APTA’s vision for physical therapy “transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience” means differently for every motivated future physical therapist. For me, this vision means changing society by addressing each patient’s needs differently than the next patient. Keeping this notion in mind will help me achieve my goals as a future physical therapist.…
The vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is to transform society by improving human experience; through the optimization of movement which is the key to optimal living and quality of life for all people. The main vision of the American Physical Therapy Association for physical therapy profession it is intended to inspire others throughout society, and together create systems that optimize progress and function for all people (APTA). The vision of the APTA is base on different principals that are: Identity, Quality, Collaboration, Value, Innovation, Consumer-Centricity, Access/Equity, and Advocacy. The APTA also has a strategic plan that is the association’s road map to…
The journal makes reference to a lecture given by Charles M. Magistro, Director of Physical Therapy, Pomona Valley Community Hospital, presented at the Sixty-Third Annual Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, San Antonio, TX, June 28-July 2, 1987. The paper initially deals with the growth of the profession over the years with Magistro emphasizing that "We physical therapists never must permit our profession to be jeopardized by failing to provide those services that justify our existence” (Magistro 1728). He explains that “The most urgent of these challenges is in the matter of education” (Magistro 1728), the issue is really affected by funding concerns proposing to readers to support the foundation’s fund-raising campaign to improve the quality of PT education. He was convinced that “the foundation had unlimited potential because its goals were tied so closely to the survival of our profession, specifically providing funding for research and scholarship activities” (Magistro 1731). The author is emphasizing the need to support the foundation to improve the profession in one way or another, a message that has made the article interesting and persuasive. This article sheds light on several issues in the physical therapy profession. Magistro makes his opinion very clear on the topic of physician referral for profit. “I remain deeply concerned about anything and everything that has the potential to debase our profession, whether it be the improper use of supportive personnel by our own members or the reaping of profits by practitioners outside of our profession from their unethical referral…
In the wake of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the entire medical community is experiencing an adjustment period, certainly in the realm of outpatient physical therapy. With the ACA’s emphasis on preventative healthcare, and benefits including coverage for rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, there are now more people than ever eligible to receive covered therapy services. This increase in healthcare coverage has led to an increase in demand for services such as physical therapy, therefore, many…
Physical therapy is the utilization of hands on methods in order to treat an injury, reduce pain, or increase strength, mobility, and coordination. Physical therapy is more than just what some may view as required visits, it is a potentially life changing process for many patients. With the knowledge and guidance of a physical therapist/physical therapist assistant, a patient can overcome obstacles that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.…
“Direct Access" typically describes patient's ability to consult with and receive care from physical therapist without the legal necessity of obtaining a referral from another healthcare practitioner (Fosnaught, 2002). Having direct access would definitely have a big impact in my current practice in assisted living facility and community based outpatient. It would open up a lot of opportunities for I can see my patients coming to me directly for their neuromusculoskeletal problems without the trouble of waiting for more than 3 weeks just to get a referral and before their condition worsens. The long wait times to see their primary care physicians, lost or expired prescriptions are some of my patient’s dilemma right now. All of these add to…
Physical therapy involves treatment through physical means for people disabled by illness, accident, or congenital handicap. It seeks to improve mobility, relieve pain, or minimize permanent physical disabilities (Occupational Outlook Handbook). The physical therapy career field interests me for many reasons. It revolves solely around the human body, which is a fascinating topic to learn about. This area of expertise is flexible and rewarding. There are many specialty areas to choose your career from; some of these include orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, and pediatric. As well as flexible concentrations, physical therapy can have flexible work environments. These jobs can be conducted in many types of facilities such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private offices, rehabilitation clinics, assisted living facilities, educational institutions, sports centers, and home health agencies (Occupational Outlook Handbook). The work environment and broad range of specializations are major factors in my choice of this career path.…
Everyday in life people make decisions, whether we realize it or not. Everyday individuals are faced with adversity. For example, feeding their families, bringing home money to pay expenses, etc. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) Individuals must take steps to reach their potential and family success. To be a physical therapist, people must complete several courses in college and earn degrees. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “The length of professional DPT programs is typically 3 years. Primary content areas in the curriculum may include, but are not limited to, biology/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology,…
In the 2002 APTA Presidential Address, Mr. Massey made the point that direct access was not a new issue in physical therapy (Massey, 2002). In fact, by 2002 “the battle” for direct access had already been going on for two decades (Massey, 2002). It was a battle that was fought state by state. Three decades later, the US Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, and all 50 states allow direct access of physical therapy services as of January 1, 2015 (Direct Access at the State Level, 2015). Direct access removed state laws requiring referral or prescription from a physician for patients to access physical therapy services from licensed physical therapists. For example, if an individual were to sprain their ankle while playing recreational…
I am planning on making my career as a physical therapist. The main job responsibilities of a PT are diagnosing and managing dysfunction and improve physical and functional abilities, bring back, maintain and promote optimal physical function as well as optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life associated with movement and health. PT’s also take patient’s medical history, conduct a system review, and conduct different tests to diagnose any current potential and existing issues. They create exercise programs specific to each patient and assists the patients in following them in their every PT visit. PT’s later conduct progress evaluation to examine the any improvements in patients and the extent of the improvements.…
Ever since my lifestyle change I have done all I can to enable others to improve their lives through reaching their own goals. I have utilized the avenues at my disposal: my own lifestyle change, leadership positions, as well as the knowledge I have gained through school. I believe that with the opportunity to continue my education and become a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I would unlock the ultimate avenue to reach people who yearn to be able to move without pain and live their lives. Physical Therapy needs versatile driven individuals who genuinely care about the wellbeing of patients. I believe that I have embodied the vision of APTA prior to ever being aware of the vision of APTA. I will continue to embody this vision because my passion is helping those around me optimize their movement to improve their human…
It is no secret that there is much controversy surrounding the health care system in the United States (US). The hybrid public-private nature of the system has resulted in many inequalities for users. These inequalities include access to primary and preventative health care, access to affordable health care and the uneven outcomes of health care interventions. Even more challenging is the lack of agreement of government and policy makers on how to address these difficulties. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was enacted in 2010 with a key goal of expanding the accessibility of healthcare coverage to more people in the US. While the PPACA reshapes the landscape of…