Which of the following describes PT evaluation under Direct Access?

Direct Access in physical therapy allows patients to seek evaluation and treatment from a licensed physical therapist without a referral from a physician. This approach aligns with option B, which states that evaluation can be performed without a diagnosis. Under Direct Access laws, physical therapists can assess patients and begin treatment based on their clinical judgment, allowing for a more streamlined process in managing musculoskeletal issues.

This ability to perform evaluations without a prior diagnosis is critical because it empowers patients to take charge of their care and seek assistance directly from a physical therapist when they feel necessary. It emphasizes the role of the physical therapist as a primary point of access for healthcare, highlighting their expertise in diagnosing and treating movement-related conditions, often without initial physician involvement.

In this context, it is important to understand that evaluations do not necessarily require a physician's referral, making option A incorrect. Moreover, even though an evaluation is typically necessary to determine treatment direction, it is not a prerequisite for treatment under Direct Access in the same way as implied in option C. Thus, focusing on the ability to proceed with evaluation and potentially initiate treatment without a prior diagnosis or physician referral is the core principle of Direct Access in physical therapy.