Ron et al.....I have been trying to read most of the posts regarding this issue of articulating the difference of PT and OT, but, honestly, not all of the posts. But, it seems you have been dealing with this since I have known you and the OTnow list serve. And, it seems you want some conclusion on this.
But, your definition is way off. I would not be a PT if I was limited by your definition. I don't just work with people who have acute injuries and or impaired body parts. I ask you look at the practice acts of the different states or the APTA Guide to PT. I wish this issue didn't exist as I feel we are beating a dead horse. >From a personal standpoint, I say, do what it is you do and be good at it. If >you need to treat an impairment to improve a life skill, then do it. If I >need to help a patient improve a functional skill using functional exercises, >I will do it. The bottom line is the patient. And, from the billing and reimbursment side, if you can do what you do and be reimbursed, great. If I can do what I do and get reimbursed, great. Let me do what I do at the body structure stage, the activity stage, or the participation stage. And, I have no problems with you doing it, too. Peace David A. Lehman, PhD, PT Associate Professor Tennessee State University Department of Physical Therapy 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209 615-963-5946 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit my website: http://www.tnstate.edu/interior.asp?mid=2410&ptid=1 This email and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential information and is intended solely for use by the individual to whom it is addressed. If you receive this correspondence in error, please notify the sender and delete the email from your system. Do not disclose its contents with others. ________________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2008 7:49 AM To: OTlist Subject: [OTlist] Articulating the Difference Between OT and PT? Hello: I frequently find myself articulating the difference between OT and PT. For years, I've struggled understanding a clear cut line between our profession. As such, articulating the difference was at best, very difficult. However, I think I'm finally understanding a WORKABLE and ACCURATE description and what other's opinion. One caveat is that there is overlap between our professions that are impossible to differentiate, so what I'm offering is a definition that "draws a clear line in the sand" between us. So, here it is: "PT FOCUSES treatment on improving acute injury or body parts. OT FOCUSES treatment on improving occupation" This simple definition includes the overlapping areas but also clearly defines a role difference between OT and PT. What do you think.... Ron -- Ron Carson MHS, OT www.OTnow.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
