CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Ordering diagnostic imaging
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At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorWithin scopeChiropractic practice acts commonly authorize chiropractors to take or order diagnostic X-rays; ordering advanced imaging such as MRI is allowed in some states and limited in others. Medicare does not pay for imaging a chiropractor orders, which is a payment rule rather than a limit on scope.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistVaries by stateWhether a physical therapist may order imaging depends on the state: some states expressly allow it, sometimes only for X-rays, a few rule it out, and many practice acts say nothing, leaving it to the state board's reading.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistVaries by stateOccupational therapy practice acts rarely mention imaging, and we found none that lets occupational therapists order it. Some acts, such as Michigan's and Texas's, exclude medical diagnosis from occupational therapy, so whether it is allowed depends on your state board.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerVaries by stateAthletic training acts rarely address imaging; where a board has, as Ohio's did, it said the physician must be the ordering party, though an athletic trainer may carry out the order under the physician's protocol. Beyond that, whether it is allowed depends on your state board.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistNot typicalMassage therapy laws generally bar diagnosis, and none we read allow massage therapists to order imaging.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
Some professions may order imaging directly; others must refer to a physician or may order only certain studies. This differs by profession and state, and sometimes by setting.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Across professions | Ordering imaging | |
| Across professions | Diagnostic imaging privileges | Common in institutional settings |
What the bodies say
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
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CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Heel pain – plantar fasciitis: revision 2023
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Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments: lateral ankle ligament sprains revision 2021
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Physical therapy evaluation and treatment after concussion/mild traumatic brain injury
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Patellofemoral pain
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Neck pain: revision 2017
Check your state
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Get licensed links to the board for each profession in each state, so you can read its rules or ask it directly.
Go to Get licensedState-by-state detail
This topic varies enough between states to warrant a state table, with the statute and board for each cell.
Research
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