Identifying physical therapists’ attitudes, beliefs, and barriers toward diagnostic imaging referral: a mixed-methods study

Objective Ten states, including the District of Columbia, have laws that currently permit physical therapists (PTs) to directly order diagnostic imaging (DI) in the United States. Military and civilian PTs order DI judiciously and appropriately demonstrating optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction when compared to other medical professionals. However, no studies have explored perceived attitudes, beliefs, and barriers to PT DI referral specific to North Dakota (ND). Therefore, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to identify ND PTs' attitudes, beliefs, and barriers toward DI referral.