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.

Menu
Log in
Forgot password


Search
Log in
Forgot password

Texas PT Scope of Practice

How is physical therapy defined in Texas?

"Physical therapy" means a form of health care that prevents, identifies, corrects, or alleviates acute or prolonged movement dysfunction or pain of anatomic or physiologic origin. Physical therapy includes the evaluation, examination, and utilization of exercises, rehabilitative procedures, massage, manipulations, and physical agents including, but not limited to, mechanical devices, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, and sound in the aid of diagnosis or treatment. PTs may perform evaluations without referrals. Physical therapy practice includes the use of modalities, procedures, and tests to make evaluations.

What is included in the practice of physical therapy?

The practice of physical therapy includes:

    • Measurement or testing of the function of the musculoskeletal, neurological, pulmonary, or cardiovascular system;
    • Rehabilitative treatment concerned with restoring function or preventing disability caused by illness, injury, or birth defect;
    • Treatment, consultative, educational, or advisory services to reduce the incidence or severity of disability or pain to enable, train, or retrain a person to perform the independent skills and activities of daily living; and
    • Delegation of selective forms of treatment to support personnel while a physical therapist retains the responsibility for caring for the patient and directing and supervising the support personnel.

Physical therapy practice includes but is not limited to the use of:

    • Electromyographic (EMG) Tests,
    • Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Tests,
    • Thermography,
    • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS),
    • Bed traction,
    • Application of topical medication to open wounds,
    • Sharp debridement,
    • Provision of soft goods,
    • Inhibitive casting and splinting,
    • Phonophoresis,
    • Iontophoresis, and
    • Biofeedback services.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

A person may not engage in diagnosing diseases or in practicing medicine as defined by law on the basis of a physical therapy license.

In practicing physical therapy, a person may not use:

    • Roentgen rays or radium for a diagnostic or therapeutic purpose; or
    • Electricity for a surgical purpose, including cauterization.

Are there any special trainings or requirements?

N/A

Reference

Tex. Occ. Code § 453.001

Tex. Occ. Code § 453.005

Tex. Occ. Code § 453.006

22 Tex. Admin. Code §321.1

Tex. Occ. Code § 453.303



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.

Learn More 

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.

Join Today 

Find Us


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software