Do patients need a referral to evaluate and treat wound care or debridement?

• A. No
• B. Only if chronic
• C. Yes
• D. Only if wounds over 1 cm

Answer: (C)

Wound care and debridement are medical procedures that carry infection risk, tissue viability considerations, and possible underlying medical issues that require medical oversight. Because of this, a referral is typically needed to evaluate and treat wounds or to perform debridement.

In direct-access practice, a physical therapist can perform an initial wound assessment and provide some noninvasive care, but performing debridement or more advanced wound management generally requires a physician’s order or a referral to ensure safe, appropriate, and coordinated care. This helps rule out issues like infection, vascular problems, or malignancy and aligns treatment with medical guidelines and payer requirements.

Note that scope varies by jurisdiction, but the standard assumption in many practice acts is that a referral is required for wound care and debridement.