Is it within the scope of practice for PTs or PTAs to perform the testing procedure for monitoring a patients PT/INR (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio)?
This type of testing of itself is not a physical therapy skill. The machine used is similar to using a blood sugar machine and the results are displayed in digital format. It is the understanding of the Board that the patient cannot do this testing and report the levels to their physician. The physicians will only accept results and orders from a licensed health care provider. It is also the understanding that the physical therapist cannot make recommendations regarding the levels of cumandin in the patient, as the physician makes any decisions affecting medication adjustment. Using available technology and tools to assess the patient’s vital signs, is part of the definition of physical therapy as part of tests and measures. Therefore the Board reasoned that assessing vital signs specifically, the PT/INR finger stick testing for coumandin levels, would be allowed as a reasonable test and measure as part of the patient’s overall evaluation in preparation of physical therapy treatment. T
Related Questions
- Is it within the scope of practice for PTs or PTAs to perform the testing procedure for monitoring a patients PT/INR (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio)?
- Is it within the scope of practice for PTs or PTAs to perform the testing procedure for monitoring a patients PT/INR (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio)?
- What is the patients financial responsibility for home PT INR testing?
