Knowledge, Utilization, and Favorability of Commonly Referring Michigan Physicians Regarding Physical Therapy

The purpose of this study was to assess commonly referring Michigan physicians\u27 knowledge of physical therapy, and its impact on favorability toward, and utilization of, its services. Three hundred questionnaires were sent to physicians of orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and general practice. The usable return rate was 22 percent. Technical, professional, and overall knowledge scores, as well as utilization patterns were compared across medical specialty, practice location, and years of experience. The mean overall knowledge score was 63% with orthopedic physicians scoring the highest at 77 percent. Physicians demonstrated higher knowledge of professional PT procedures over technical procedures, however preferred technical ones when prescribing treatment. Overall, there was a preference for open referrals compared to prescriptive or consultative. The physicians\u27 opinions toward PT ranged from favorable to highly favorable