Article content

Northern physiotherapists are pushing for regulatory changes that would allow them to order diagnostic tests directly.

Article content

Northern District members of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association met with Health Minister Sylvia Jones on Monday to call for the full implementation of Bill 179, which was passed in 2009 with the support of all parties.

The law “expanded the scopes of practice of physiotherapists and other professions to make it easier for Ontarians to get the health care they need,” the association said.

However, some important changes that would benefit physiotherapists and their patients have not yet been implemented.

“In their meeting with the Minister, physiotherapist leaders Andy Wang and Venkadesan Rajendran of the Northern Ontario District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association emphasized how important it is that the final regulations be finalized so that Ontario physiotherapists can order diagnostic/laboratory tests directly. “, the association said. “This would ease pressure on doctors, reduce red tape and help Ontario patients.”

Article content

Article content

Both men said they received comforting assurances from the Minister of Health that “she would review and take the necessary steps to implement Bill 179.”

Physiotherapists are key partners in the healthcare system, collaborating with orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists and family physicians.

“Their extensive training allows them to conduct thorough assessments, make physiotherapeutic diagnoses, differentiate conditions and provide effective treatments,” OPA said. “When necessary, they also refer patients to doctors and medical specialists for early medical diagnosis and treatment. This holistic approach not only streamlines patient management but ultimately contributes to more efficient healthcare delivery.

Article content

The OPA and the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario are in the process of updating previous submissions to provide the Ministry of Health with all requested information to move this matter forward.

The organizations said allowing physiotherapists to order diagnostic images and laboratory tests aligns with current government priorities, as outlined in Your Health: A Plan for Connected, Convenient Care.

This policy document emphasizes “providing the right care in the right place,” the groups note, as well as faster access to care.

“By reducing redundant visits just to obtain diagnostic test orders, the burden on physicians and primary care organizations is reduced, allowing for greater systems efficiency,” OPA said. “Patients benefit from the appropriate intervention sooner, leading to a quicker return to function and work.”

Article content

Northern Ontario “has unique needs and concerns, given the regions’ geography and health care resources,” the association noted.

For example, a physiotherapy clinic on Manitoulin Island “has established coordinated care pathways with a primary care organization and an orthopedic surgeon,” underlines the OPA. “As a result, physiotherapists can ensure that patients can address multiple needs in a single clinic visit and avoid multiple trips to different locations for the same problem. »

If the full scope of Bill 179 were implemented, connections between physical therapists, specialists and primary care would be improved, OPA said. “And it would take fewer visits (and much less travel) to get the patient to the appropriate care, because the physical therapist could directly order necessary imaging or lab testing and facilitate next steps with partner physicians.

Article content

All Ontarians “should have timely access to physiotherapists who can work within their full scope of practice to provide the essential care they need, as close to home as possible,” the association said. but “fifteen years later, Ontarians are still waiting to fulfill their promise by adopting the regulations necessary to implement the amendments adopted by Parliament.

As a result of this delay, Ontario physiotherapists are lagging behind their counterparts in other provinces in what they can do. “Ordering diagnostic imaging is possible within the framework of the practice of physiotherapists in Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia and then Prince Edward Island,” noted the OPA.

“We remain very committed, on behalf of the physiotherapy profession, to working with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health to advance much-needed changes to the scope of practice that will serve Ontarians and provide faster access to health care “, said the group. “Let’s finish what’s started.” »

[email protected]

Article content