In recent years greater attention has been given by our profession to the role of diagnostic imaging in physical therapy (PT) practice. Educational content related to diagnostic imaging is now required for PT program accreditation. Military PTs and all other civilian first contact providers routinely utilize diagnostic imaging in this critical decision-making process.

As more therapists continue to step into direct access roles, it may be beneficial to evaluate how referral for diagnostic imaging may impact clinical decision making and ultimately enhance patient care.

According to Illinois law, PTs are required to determine what conditions fall outside our scope of practice and to make referrals to appropriate healthcare providers when necessary. At times, a radiologist will be the most appropriate provider to refer to.

This #THIRDTHURSDAY session will explore how the referral for diagnostic imaging studies by PTs can impact clinical decision making and ultimately lead to enhanced patient care. Multiple cases will be reviewed in which imaging results directly led to an alternative course of management.

Dr. Aaron Keil PT, DPT share insights and expertise on "PTs Who Order Diagnostic Imaging"

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Cite appropriate research that supports granting physical therapists privileges to order imaging studies directly.


• Describe the impact diagnostic imaging can have on clinical decision making when ordered appropriately.


• Prepare effectively to answer common questions and concerns over granting therapists diagnostic imaging privileges at your institution.

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Aaron Keil PT, DPT, currently serves as clinical professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  He has spoken at national conferences on the topics of direct access and diagnostic imaging and has provided guidance to several institutions across the country who are pursuing these initiatives. 

Dr. Keil served on the authorship committee for the APTA-sponsored white paper ‘Diagnostic and Procedural Imaging in Physical Therapist Practice’ and he has published articles on this topic.

He has functioned as a first-contact provider at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C., the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore Maryland and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

This program was originally recorded May 16, 2024.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.


2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.


3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days.