Title: (Optional) Describe the changing roles of physical therapy and occupational therapy within the medical model.
Course: Physical/Occupational Therapy I (14060-I) > Section: Gaining an Overview of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Description should include the following:

- Physical therapy
- The movement away from required physician referrals toward direct patient access to therapy
  - The emerging concept of the physical therapist as a gatekeeper within the medical field
- Occupational therapy
- Increasing involvement in preventive care, as reflective of the general movement of the medical field toward prevention.
- The movement toward working in the community and natural environments vs. more traditional medical setting.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is meant by the term gatekeeper in the healthcare system? How can a physical therapist serve as a gatekeeper?
- Why is it important that physical and occupational professionals become more involved in prevention?
- How do referrals and reimbursement affect the type and duration of rehabilitative treatment?