Which statement about management when a patient is improving and has no treating health care professional is correct?

• A. It is appropriate to proceed without further referrals.
• B. You must obtain a formal diagnosis before continuing.
• C. You should always notify a physician before continuing.
• D. You should discontinue PT therapy.

Answer: (C)

When there isn’t an ongoing treating health care professional, you must notify a physician before continuing therapy. This ensures medical oversight and safe, coordinated care, because there could be medical factors or changes in the patient’s condition that would alter the plan of care. Even though the patient is improving, informing a physician helps address any new symptoms, risks, or needs for referral, and it clarifies who is responsible for medical decisions. Therefore, the best approach is to notify a physician before continuing.

Proceeding without any medical input isn’t appropriate, since there’s no one to confirm medical stability or authorize further treatment. Requiring a formal diagnosis before continuing isn’t necessary in this context—the focus is on securing medical oversight for ongoing care. Discontinuing PT therapy isn’t warranted simply because there’s no treating professional, and discontinuation would deprive the patient of beneficial care.