Guest guest Posted June 18, 2012 Report Share Posted June 18, 2012 In my mind DPTs are indeed doctors. They are legally, academically and practically-entitled to the term. We've got to give respect to get respect. In as much I too feel that they are somewhat limited in their Dx abilities, so are many of us DCs and other docs too. But the ability to put a standardized label on some condition (a label which often tells us NOTHING re. causation) is only one element of being a doctor. The term doctor actually means " teacher " right? Give me a mediocre diagnostician who can inspire/teach/motivate any day over a nerd who can differentiate tendonitis from tendonosis but does not lead or inspire the patient to be healthier. The public should know that there are different types of doctors other than " medical " doctors. There are chiropractic doctors, naturopathic doctors and physical therapy doctors, etc. and in a sane world, one should be able to choose whatever licensed doctor they want to see. > > Had a discussion over the weekend with my family during Father's Day meal. A > mutual friend of ours is a PT and my daughter stated that he is a doctor, he > has his DPT, doctor of physical therapy degree. This after I mentioned > that PT's are not doctors. So, are they addressed as Dr. (..) or Mr. (..). > It was my impression that since they are not trained in differential > diagnoses they are not doctors. Please someone bring me up to date on this. > Incidentally, I met a good friend from the past at a funeral last week and > we talked business as usual as he has been an attorney for SAIF for at least > 20 years. Not sure what brought it up but he mentioned that PT bills are > very expensive and cost the WC system quite a bit of money. Just food for > thought about cost of health care in the WC market. > > > > Dr. Layman > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2012 Report Share Posted June 18, 2012 Well said, . I have a good friend who is a DPT. He is a sharp guy and can adjust, or should I say manipulate, on par with the best of us. He is doing quite well, has two offices, and is helping a lot of people. Other than feeling a little insecure from the competition for market share, I can't fault the guy for providing good services that elevate the health of humanity. So, while we may own the philosophy, we do not own the technique. Lyndon McGill, D.C. EvolvHealth Wellness Advisory Council Member Salem, Oregon www.SalemSpineClinic.com www.EvolvingDaily.com In my mind DPTs are indeed doctors. They are legally, academically and practically-entitled to the term. We've got to give respect to get respect. In as much I too feel that they are somewhat limited in their Dx abilities, so are many of us DCs and other docs too. But the ability to put a standardized label on some condition (a label which often tells us NOTHING re. causation) is only one element of being a doctor. The term doctor actually means "teacher" right? Give me a mediocre diagnostician who can inspire/teach/motivate any day over a nerd who can differentiate tendonitis from tendonosis but does not lead or inspire the patient to be healthier. The public should know that there are different types of doctors other than "medical" doctors. There are chiropractic doctors, naturopathic doctors and physical therapy doctors, etc. and in a sane world, one should be able to choose whatever licensed doctor they want to see. > > Had a discussion over the weekend with my family during Father's Day meal. A > mutual friend of ours is a PT and my daughter stated that he is a doctor, he > has his DPT, doctor of physical therapy degree. This after I mentioned > that PT's are not doctors. So, are they addressed as Dr. (..) or Mr. (..). > It was my impression that since they are not trained in differential > diagnoses they are not doctors. Please someone bring me up to date on this. > Incidentally, I met a good friend from the past at a funeral last week and > we talked business as usual as he has been an attorney for SAIF for at least > 20 years. Not sure what brought it up but he mentioned that PT bills are > very expensive and cost the WC system quite a bit of money. Just food for > thought about cost of health care in the WC market. > > > > Dr. Layman > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2012 Report Share Posted June 18, 2012 I see that others on this list server say Physical Therapist are doctors, but I don't believe the insurance companies list them as doctors, also I don't believe that they can write prescriptions either without a MD, I believe they are still under the thumb of the AMA physician. I believe that you would have to contact the AMA and ask this question, and it has nothing to do with respect or what they can do. Point taken, my question would be are allowed to adjust legally and who gave them this right? This has nothing to do with how good they are it has to do what is legal and what is not. I am sure there are those that are so book learned that can actually do brain surgery, but cannot without the right license. What I do know, regarding respect is one should know the individual to know if they deserve it, in general they do not have much respect for Chiropractic from what I can see. I wrote all the Physical therapy clinics everywhere in southern Oregon, which were many. I found the owner of each clinic or the one in charge to write to, then asked them if there could possibly be a place in their clinic for myself, a 28-year Chiropractor that does understand a lot when it comes to physical therapy and had previously been licensed as a naturopath as well. I explained that having someone like myself on board with a well rounded education and a very good adjuster (not manipulator) would only enhance their clinic. It was a very well written letter not only showing respect to their way of practice, but also I sent information, NOT ONE RESPONDED Just for respect alone you would think I would have received some response. I got on the phone and began to call many of them, most would not take my call. I asked why to the receptionist, she explained that they have no need for one..........what does that mean ! I then called others and out of all of them asking them to call me again, NOT ONE RESPONDED. I finally got one to come to the phone, the owner of a large clinic and who I addressed my letter to. His response was "have no interest in having a chiropractor in my clinic". If you look in the newspaper or into Google for positions needed under Physical Therapist, it unbelievable how many clinics are looking, but under Chiropractic there very little. Now Chiropractors will hire and place PT's in their clinic, but it is not the other way around. My personal feeling about all this was they are learning how to do our job and they would have no problem in removing us if they could. They are not just manipulating they are adjusting. I had time to talk to a few and they clearly said they, Their profession feel pretty much how the MD's feel about us and this never has changed. You might find a few here and there individually that feel different, but over all they do not like us and do not consider us doctors either, SOOO regarding respect THEY SURELY DO NO RESPECT US. MY TWO CENT. Dr. Wiese Eagle Point. Subject: Physical TherapistTo: oregondcs Date: Monday, June 18, 2012, 8:15 AM Had a discussion over the weekend with my family during Father’s Day meal. A mutual friend of ours is a PT and my daughter stated that he is a doctor, he has his DPT, doctor of physical therapy degree. This after I mentioned that PT’s are not doctors. So, are they addressed as Dr. (….) or Mr. (….). It was my impression that since they are not trained in differential diagnoses they are not doctors. Please someone bring me up to date on this. Incidentally, I met a good friend from the past at a funeral last week and we talked business as usual as he has been an attorney for SAIF for at least 20 years. Not sure what brought it up but he mentioned that PT bills are very expensive and cost the WC system quite a bit of money. Just food for thought about cost of health care in the WC market. Dr. Layman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2012 Report Share Posted June 18, 2012 The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is a doctoral degree, these PT's are trained to diagnose. In addition PT's are allowed direct access without a referral with no restrictions in 17 states, they are working aggressively on expanding this. We are currently fighting their direct access bill in CA SB 924. It used to be we could say they were not trained to diagnose, this is out the window now with the DPT degree. For some reason all the Republicans in our Capitol are in support of this in light of the fact that when the federal healthcare plan comes about there will be a huge shortage of PCP's. One thing we are not sure of is will insurance companies reimburse them for E/M codes if they gain direct access. We do have evidence they are not as cost effective for back conditions as chiropractors. We are trying to fight it but they have a strong association with more members and a lot of $$. Not sure we are going to win this one. Support your state association! SwansonMeasure: SB 924 (Price and Steinberg and Walters): Physical therapists: direct access to services: professional corporations.Location: Senate FloorDate: 01/30/12Motion: Senate 3rd Reading SB924 PriceResult: 36-0 (PASS)Ayes - 36Alquist, , Berryhill, Blakeslee, Calderon, Cannella, Corbett, Correa, De León, DeSaulnier, Dutton, Emmerson, , Fuller, Gaines, Hancock, Harman, Huff, La Malfa, Leno, Lieu, Liu, Lowenthal, Negrete McLeod, Padilla, Pavley, Price, Rubio, Simitian, Steinberg, Strickland, Vargas, Walters, Wolk, , YeeNoes - 0Absent, Abstention or Not Voting - 4, Kehoe, Runner, Wyland R. Swanson DC CCEP155 Valencia StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103(v)www.ParksideChiro.comwww.drscottswanson.comTwitter: @askdrscottFacebook.com/ParksideChiro Subject: Physical TherapistTo: oregondcs Date: Monday, June 18, 2012, 8:15 AMHad a discussion over the weekend with my family during Father’s Day meal. A mutual friend of ours is a PT and my daughter stated that he is a doctor, he has his DPT, doctor of physical therapy degree. This after I mentioned that PT’s are not doctors. So, are they addressed as Dr. (….) or Mr. (….). It was my impression that since they are not trained in differential diagnoses they are not doctors. Please someone bring me up to date on this. Incidentally, I met a good friend from the past at a funeral last week and we talked business as usual as he has been an attorney for SAIF for at least 20 years. Not sure what brought it up but he mentioned that PT bills are very expensive and cost the WC system quite a bit of money. Just food for thought about cost of health care in the WC market. Dr. Layman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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