If a patient already has a treating health care professional, should the PT notify the professional about patient progress?

• A. No, do not notify them.
• B. Only if progress is significant.
• C. Only if the patient requests.
• D. Yes, notify them.

Answer: (D)

Coordinating care with other health professionals is essential when a patient already has a treating clinician. Sharing updates about progress helps ensure the plan remains coherent, safe, and effective. When a patient is under the care of someone else, the treating professional needs to know how the patient is responding to therapy, what changes have occurred, and whether any adjustments to the treatment plan are needed. This communication supports continuity of care and helps prevent gaps or conflicting recommendations.

Sharing progress should be done with respect to patient privacy and consent. Information should be shared with the appropriate clinician and through secure channels, and only to the extent necessary to coordinate care. Even if progress seems modest, it can influence decisions about therapy intensity, goals, or referrals.

Choices suggesting not notifying, notifying only when progress is significant, or only if the patient requests delay essential collaboration and can compromise safety and effectiveness. Therefore, informing the treating professional about patient progress is the best practice.