PT 973 - Differential Diagnosis

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This course is designed to assist the physical therapy student to become an autonomous practitioner able to consider, screen for, and identify red flags for a broad spectrum of conditions and pathologies not within the scope of physical therapy practice. The primary goal of this course is to provide you with a step-by-step approach to patient evaluation that follows the standards for competency established by the APTA related to conducting a screening examination. Through this approach you will be equipped to recognize risk factors and red flags related to the potential presence of injury or systemic diseases in your patients, differentiating these signs and symptoms as non-musculoskeletal. The underlying pathology and clinical manifestations of the more common disorders of each system will be reviewed. Particulars of performing a systems review during physical therapy evaluation and intervention will be emphasized, including appropriate follow-up questions when concerns are identified. The role of the PT in risk factor reduction and prevention of disease will also be addressed. Additionally, referral to the appropriate healthcare providers will be discussed and the role of the physical therapist as ‘collaborator’ in the healthcare team emphasized.