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What is required before outpatient physical therapy services can be initiated?

  1. An initial plan of care has been established

  2. A signed consent form from the patient

  3. A referral from a primary care physician

  4. A physical examination by the therapist

The correct answer is: An initial plan of care has been established

Before outpatient physical therapy services can be initiated, it is essential that an initial plan of care has been established. This foundational step ensures that there is a clear, structured approach tailored to the specific needs of the patient, outlining the goals of therapy, the techniques to be used, and the expected duration and frequency of treatment. The plan of care is critical for guiding the therapy process and for ensuring compliance with regulatory and reimbursement guidelines. While obtaining a signed consent form from the patient, a referral from a primary care physician, and conducting a physical examination by the therapist are also significant, they are typically part of the broader process that leads up to the creation of the initial plan of care. Without this plan, the therapy services would lack direction and accountability, making it impossible to measure progress and outcomes effectively. Thus, establishing an initial plan of care is a pivotal requirement that facilitates coordinated and effective patient treatment.