Differential Diagnosis vs Screening

When may red flags or associated signs and symptoms of an underlying systemic or viscerogenic cause of a client's NMS symptoms or movement dysfunction first appear?

What is the primary reason for repeating the screening process during the course of physical therapy intervention?

During which stage of the physical therapy process is the client most likely to present with indicators of systemic disease?

What may occur during physical therapy intervention that can cause previously unnoticed or silent symptoms to present more clearly?

What is the primary purpose of a screening examination in physical therapy?

What is the result of a lack of progress in physical therapy?

What is the term used to describe the process of identifying and describing the specific movement impairment present in a patient?

What is the role of the physical therapist in the diagnostic process?

What is the outcome of the evaluation process in physical therapy?

What is the purpose of identifying risk factors and yellow or red flags during the evaluation process?

Differential Diagnosis vs Screening

The title change from "Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy" to "Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral" reflects a better understanding of the screening process and a more accurate use of the term "differential diagnosis".
The term "differential diagnosis" describes the identification of a specific movement impairment, if present.

Evolution of Diagnosis in Physical Therapy

In the past, diagnostic labels were primarily the domain of physicians.
The concept of diagnosis has evolved over time, and physical therapists now use diagnostic labels to describe a patient's primary dysfunction(s).

Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic process begins with data collection (examination), proceeds through data organization and interpretation (evaluation), and ends with the application of a label (diagnosis).
The diagnostic process may involve a screening examination, especially if no identifiable movement dysfunction is found.

Screening Process

The screening process is not a one-time evaluation, but rather an ongoing process that may occur at any point during the continuum of care.
The screening process is used to identify risk factors and yellow or red flags that may indicate an underlying systemic or viscerogenic cause of the client's symptoms or movement dysfunction.
Yellow or red flags may include a history or cluster of signs and symptoms, such as constant pain, skin lesions, gastrointestinal problems, or digital clubbing.

Role of Screening in Physical Therapy

Screening is an essential part of the examination process, particularly during the history-taking, systems review, and specific tests and measures.
The screening process may need to be repeated if the patient/client does not progress in physical therapy or presents with new symptoms.
Reexamination may be necessary to identify the need for co-management or referral.

Understand the difference between differential diagnosis and screening in physical therapy. Learn about the importance of screening for referral and its role in physical therapy practice.