Wisconsin law allows physical therapists to order imaging from radiologists
A historic new law in Wisconsin allows physical therapists (PTs) to order x-rays directly from radiologists. It is the first state to pass a law that unequivocally says PTs have this right.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed the bill, along with 11 others, in late April. The legislation lists the specific qualifications required for a PT to be able to order x-rays and explains the actions PTs should take once exam results are known.
The Wisconsin Physical Therapists Association (WPTA) pushed state legislators hard to get this bill signed into law.
“This legislation was the result of over 2 years of work by APTA/WPTA members, our lobbyists and the legislators who supported our bill,” Connie Kittleson, DPT, WPTA president, said in a statement.
WBAY News in Green Bay, Wis., spoke with physical therapist Rob Worth, DPT, MS, who was a part of that WPTA effort to work with legislators.
“Ordering of X-rays and diagnostic imaging is a standardized part of all training for physical therapists, and this allows us to take that training and use it for the best care for the patient,” Worth said, as quoted by WBAY.
In a post on the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website, Angela Shuman, APTA director of state government affairs, praised the law.
"No other state PT practice acts specifically say that PTs can order x-rays—the laws are mostly silent on the matter," Shuman said. "This lack of specific language can make it difficult for PTs to understand just what they can or can't do, but Wisconsin has taken the step to make things very clear."
The full text of the bill can be read on the Wisconsin State Legislature website.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.