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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.

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Texas Physical Therapy Scope of Practice

How is physical therapy defined in Texas?

A form of health care that prevents, identifies, corrects, or alleviates acute or prolonged movement dysfunction or pain of anatomic or physiologic origin.

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 PT retains the responsibility for caring for the patient and directing and supervising the support personnel.

Physical therapy practice includes the use of modalities, procedures, and tests to make evaluations. 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.

Which services are specifically excluded?

A person may not engage in diagnosing diseases or in practicing medicine as defined by law on the basis of a license issued under this chapter.

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.

Reference

3 Tex. Occ. Code § 453.001

3 Tex. Occ. Code § 453.005

3 Tex. Occ. Code § 453.006

3 Tex. Occ. Code § 453.303

22 Tex. Admin. Code § 321.1

About Me

Zachary Edgar JD, LLM is Therapy Comply's managing partner.  Zachary is a healthcare attorney who specializes in federal and state healthcare regulatory issues particularly for physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.  

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