What is one responsibility of a Physical Therapist (PT) for each patient under care?

Documenting evaluations and treatments is a fundamental responsibility of a Physical Therapist (PT) for each patient under their care. This documentation serves multiple purposes. First, it creates a comprehensive record of the patient's history, assessment findings, treatment interventions, and progress over time. This ensures continuity of care, as any healthcare provider involved in the patient’s treatment can review this information and understand the PT's approach and the patient's response.

Furthermore, proper documentation is essential for legal and ethical accountability, providing evidence of the care provided and adherence to professional standards. It also plays a critical role in billing and reimbursement processes, as accurate documentation is often required to justify the services rendered to insurance companies or other payers. This makes it not only a vital clinical responsibility but also a key aspect of effective practice management.

In contrast, while providing a certification of credentials, scheduling follow-up appointments, and communicating with the patient’s physician are important tasks, they do not encompass the core professional obligation of a PT to maintain detailed records of each patient's care. Documentation is integral to the therapy practice, ensuring both quality of care and compliance with regulations.