Senate Bill 2273 advances physical therapists' imaging referral capabilities in North Dakota

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota State Legislature, lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 2273, which aims to expand the diagnostic imaging privileges of physical therapists. This bill builds on previous legislation from 2021 that allowed physical therapists with doctoral degrees or specialized imaging training to order basic radiographs. The proposed legislation would enable these professionals to also order more advanced imaging, such as MRIs and CT scans.

Senator Bechkendahl, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of improving patient care through this expansion. He shared a personal experience where a delay in obtaining an x-ray led to a significant pause in his treatment, highlighting the inefficiencies in the current referral process. By allowing physical therapists to order necessary imaging directly, the bill seeks to streamline patient care, reduce wait times, and enhance treatment outcomes.

Support for the bill was voiced by several physical therapists, including Mitch Walden, a professor at the University of Jamestown. He noted that the ability to order imaging would improve accessibility and quality of care, particularly for patients experiencing musculoskeletal issues. Currently, physical therapists are the only first contact providers in North Dakota who cannot make referrals for MRIs, which can lead to delays in treatment and increased costs for patients.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding insurance reimbursement and prior authorization for imaging referrals. While some legislators raised questions about potential challenges with insurance companies, proponents of the bill argued that similar legislation in other states has not faced significant reimbursement issues.

Despite the support from many in the physical therapy community, the North Dakota Radiological Society expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns about maintaining high standards in radiological services. This opposition underscores the ongoing debate about the scope of practice for physical therapists and the potential implications for patient safety and care quality.

As the committee continues to deliberate on Senate Bill 2273, the discussions reflect a broader trend in healthcare towards enhancing the roles of various providers to improve patient access and outcomes. The outcome of this bill could significantly impact the practice of physical therapy in North Dakota and the overall healthcare landscape in the state.