Proprietary physical therapy service in entry-level physical therapy curricula

The purposes of this study were to 1) assess the value of including an expanded business administration unit that would include proprietary practice issues in an entry-level physical therapy curriculum and 2) organize topics by priority that could be included in such a unit. Twenty-seven physical therapists (100%) in private practice in Montana responded to the questionnaire. Ninety-three percent of the respondents stated that such an expansion would be valuable in the entry-level physical therapy curriculum. Topics of greatest priority were 1) Self-analysis of Resources, 2) Reimbursement, and 3) Contracting Services and Referral Sources. Topics of least priority were 1) City and State Tax and Licensure Requirements, 2) Computers and Computer Programs, and 3) Insurance Planning. Further research and development are needed to formulate methods and objectives for such an expansion.