Which of the following is NOT a PT service?

• A. Radiology
• B. Interpretation of referrals
• C. Establish and modify treatment program
• D. Dry needling

Answer: (A)

Scope of practice for physical therapists includes evaluating movement and function, diagnosing and prognosis within PT guidelines, and delivering interventions to improve function. Setting up and adjusting a treatment program is a core PT service because it involves planning, implementing, and modifying activities, exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities based on the patient’s progress. Dry needling is a therapy some PTs are trained to perform as part of their intervention repertoire to address myofascial pain and trigger points, so it fits within PT care when allowed by local regulations.

Interpreting referrals is part of the clinical decision-making process PTs use to determine appropriate care and gather necessary information before starting treatment; while PTs may review referrals, the act of producing or interpreting medical images—the domain of radiology—does not fall under PT responsibilities. Radiology involves imaging techniques and interpretation by radiologists or radiologic technologists, which is not a PT service.