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.
Washington PT Scope of Practice |
How is physical therapy defined in Washington?
"Practice of physical therapy" is based on movement science and means:
What is included in the practice of physical therapy?
Alleviating impairments and functional limitations in movement by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions that include:
Orthosis or Prosthesis
Training for, and the evaluation of, the function of a patient wearing an orthosis or prosthesis. PTs may provide those direct-formed and prefabricated upper limb, knee, and ankle-foot orthoses, but not fracture orthoses except those for hand, wrist, ankle, and foot fractures, and assistive technology devices as exemptions from the defined scope of licensed orthotic and prosthetic services.
Wound Care
Performing wound care services that are limited to sharp debridement, debridement with other agents, dry dressings, wet dressings, topical agents including enzymes, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and other similar treatments.
PTs may not delegate sharp debridement. A PT may perform wound care services only by referral from or after consultation with an authorized health care practitioner.
What is specifically excluded from the practice?
The use of Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, and the use of spinal manipulation, or manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations, are not included under the term "physical therapy".
Are there any special trainings or requirements?
Washington PT Sharp Debridement
Washington PT Electroneuromyography Examinations
Washington PT Spinal Manipulation
Washington PT Topical Medications
Reference
RCW 18.74.010
RCW 18.74.160
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. |