Title: (Optional) Describe the changing roles of physical therapy and occupational therapy within the medical model.
Course: Physical/Occupational Therapy I (14060-I) > Section: Gaining an Overview of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Description should include the following:

Physical therapy

- The movement away from required physician referrals toward direct patient access to therapy
- The emerging concept of the physical therapist as a gatekeeper within the medical field

Occupational therapy

- Increasing involvement in preventive care, as reflective of the general movement of the medical field toward prevention
- The movement toward working in the community and natural environments vs. more traditional medical settings

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is meant by the term gatekeeper in the healthcare system? How can a physical therapist serve as a gatekeeper?
- Why is it important that physical and occupational professionals are becoming more involved in prevention?
- How do referrals and reimbursement affect the type and duration of rehabilitative treatment?