By Brett Windsor, PT

According to the APTA website, “As of January 1, 2015, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow patients to seek some level of treatment from a licensed physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician”. Access is better in some states than others, it depends on each states statutory language.

Let’s assume a perfect world of full unfettered direct access for a moment. Are we really maximizing the opportunities that this access creates? Are we making a compelling argument directly to consumers extolling the virtues of what we can do? Are our professional advocacy organizations doing enough to market our profession directly to the consumer? Do we advertise enough? Should we advertise? Is it time for a national marketing campaign targeting patients? How do we move forward?

Are we putting our best foot forward for our future? Does the general public really know who we are and what we can do?

Where do you think we need to go from here?