Ohio Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

When is a physical therapist required to inform the primary care provider about evaluating a patient without a referral?

1. Immediately after the evaluation

2. Within 5 business days, with patient consent

3. Before beginning any treatment

4. No obligation to inform

The correct answer is: Within 5 business days, with patient consent

When evaluating a patient without a referral, a physical therapist is required to inform the primary care provider within 5 business days while also obtaining the patient's consent. This is to ensure proper communication and coordination of care between the therapist and primary care provider. Option A is incorrect because while the primary care provider must be informed, this must be done within 5 business days, not immediately. Option C is also incorrect because informing the primary care provider should be done before beginning any treatment, not after it has already started. Option D is incorrect because physical therapists do have an obligation to inform the primary care provider in this scenario.