Upcoming Webinars
Site Updates
Disclaimer
The analysis of any legal or medical billing is dependent on numerous specific facts — including the factual situations present related to the patients, the practice, the professionals and the medical services and advice. Additionally, laws and regulations and insurance and payer policies are subject to change. The information that has been accurate previously can be particularly dependent on changes in time or circumstances. The information contained in this web site is intended as general information only. It is not intended to serve as medical, health, legal or financial advice or as a substitute for professional advice of a medical coding professional, healthcare consultant, physician or medical professional, legal counsel, accountant or financial advisor. If you have a question about a specific matter, you should contact a professional advisor directly. CPT copyright American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.
Colorado Physical Therapy Scope of Practice |
How is physical therapy defined in Colorado?
"Physical therapy" means the examination, physical therapy diagnosis, treatment, or instruction of patients and clients to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, or limit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction, or pain from injury, disease, and other bodily conditions.
What is included in the practice of physical therapy?
The practice of physical therapy in Colorado includes:
What is specifically excluded from the practice?
Use of roentgen rays and radioactive materials for therapeutic purposes; the use of electricity for surgical purposes; or the diagnosis of disease.
Are there any special trainings required?
Administration of medications
Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants under the direct supervision of a physical therapist may administer topical and aerosol medications when they are consistent with the scope of physical therapy practice and when any such medication is prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner who is authorized to prescribe that medication. A prescription or order shall be required for each such administration.
Wound debridement
A physical therapist is authorized to perform wound debridement under a physician's order or the order of a physician assistant authorized under section 12-240-107 (6) when debridement is consistent with the scope of physical therapy practice. The performance of wound debridement does not violate the prohibition against performing surgery pursuant to section 12-285-108 (1)(a).
Board Statements
A licensed physical therapist may order or perform, with clinical justification, any diagnostic imaging which is within the recognized standards of the practice of physical therapy, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Reference
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-285-104
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-285-108
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-285-116
Colorado Physical Therapy Board Policies
Therapy Comply LLC Copyright 2023
Therapy Comply does not claim copyright over US Federal and State materials
CPT codes are copyright 1995-2023 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
About Us Therapy Comply is a healthcare compliance firm that seeks to bring high quality web-based compliance guidance and one-on-one consulting services to small and medium size physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices. | Join Us Join today as either a monthly or a yearly member and enjoy full access to the site and a significant discount to our live and recorded webinars. Members also have access to compliance and billing support. |