Improving Patient Outcomes Starts Here: Inside the Primary Care Provider–Physical Therapist Collaboration

According to a new report from the American Physical Therapy Association, 88 percent of primary care providers (PCPs) want to refer more patients to physical therapy.

Despite this goal, there are still many obstacles that prevent PCPs from making these referrals. According to the study, when addressing barriers standing in the way of partnerships between PCPs and PTs, survey participants indicated their concerns are mainly centered around patient perception:

• Patients aren’t aware of the benefits physical therapy can provide.

• Patients believe physical therapy is too costly and time-consuming.

• Patients have limited access to local physical therapy services.

The data demonstrates that PCPs see the value of physical therapy, but strengthening the PCP–PT relationship will be essential for creating effective, efficient, patient-centered care. So, what do PCPs really want from their PT partners—and how can PTs rise to meet that challenge?

What the Data Tells Us: PCPs See the Value of PT

Across the board, PCPs expressed confidence in physical therapy:

• 95 percent view PTs positively

• 92 percent trust the care PTs provide

• PT ranks higher than chiropractic and orthopedics as a referral choice

But the study also showed that trust alone isn’t enough—PCPs are looking for PTs who are:

• Collaborative and communicative

• Able to demonstrate measurable outcomes

• Trusted by patients for both their clinical skill and compassionate care

The message is clear: PCPs are ready to refer—but they want assurance that their patients will be supported every step of the way.

What’s Getting in the Way: Challenges Identified by PCPs

Even with strong interest, common barriers persist among patient populations:

Patient-Centric Barriers

• High cost of care—If a patient has a $25 copay per session, seeing a PT three times a week means that they are paying $225 a month—and for many, that's not feasible.

• Limited time and accessibility—Work schedules and finding childcare are common barriers to care that many patients face.

• Transportation and scheduling challenges—In many rural areas, the nearest hospital is thirty minutes away and public transportation is limited.

Learn how Medbridge Pathways helps clinicians reach more patients, improve access, and reduce costs with hybrid therapy care.

Information Gaps

• Many PCPs are unaware of the full range of PT specializations—especially in areas like pelvic health issues like incontinence, where referrals can often fall through the cracks. 

• There’s also uncertainty around how PTs manage certain conditions or contribute to broader care plans.

Systemic Limitations

• PT shortages affect many regions, especially in rural areas or for specialized care.

• Preference for lower-friction solutions like home exercises or “wait-and-see” strategies.

• Lack of visibility or ease of coordination with PTs.

What PCPs Want from PTs—And How Practices Can Deliver

To close the gap, PTs can proactively align with PCP priorities:

Clear, Timely Communication

PCPs want: Regular updates on evaluations, plans of care, and progress.
PTs can deliver: Build systems that integrate with EHRs and streamline care coordination touchpoints.

Data-Driven Care and Outcomes Transparency

PCPs want: Confidence that referrals lead to results.
PTs can deliver: Use remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) and patient-reported outcome measures to show progress with real data.

Evidence of Patient Satisfaction and Trust

PCPs want: Patients who feel heard, respected, and empowered.
PTs can deliver: Personalized, compassionate care—along with tools that increase accessibility and engagement.

Greater Visibility and Education

PCPs want: Clear understanding of PT specializations.
PTs can deliver: Proactively share educational resources and highlight credentials, capabilities, and specialized services.

Access Alternatives to Expand Reach

PCPs want: Flexible options that remove logistical barriers.
PTs can deliver: Offer digital care options and asynchronous tools that make it easier to say “yes” to PT.

What PTs Need from PCPs—And How Providers Can Strengthen the Referral Pathway

The referral relationship is a two-way street, and PCPs can help PTs deliver even better care:

Initiate the Referral—and the Conversation

Why it matters: Early referrals improve outcomes and avoid unnecessary delays.
How to help: Be clear and specific in notes, and consider a quick handoff via EHR or secure messaging.

Encourage Patient Follow-Through

Why it matters: Many patients hesitate to seek referral care without strong PCP encouragement.
How to help: Reframe PT as a first-line treatment—not a “nice-to-have.”

Choose Referral Partners Who Close the Loop

Why it matters: PTs who share progress help PCPs stay informed.
How to help: Partner with clinics that prioritize communication and leverage tools like shared care plans or motion capture.

Consider Hybrid Care Options

Why it matters: In-person only care can be difficult to access for a variety of reasons.
How to help: Refer to practices that offer hybrid care options like Pathways to help bridge the care-access gap.

Stay Informed About PT Capabilities

Why it matters: Better understanding leads to better referrals.
How to help: Connect with local PTs or explore quick-reference guides to broaden your care network.

How Medbridge Care Supports Both PTs and PCPs

Medbridge Care is designed to help PTs meet the evolving needs of primary care.

With Medbridge, PTs can utilize:

• Pathways: Provide faster access and lower barriers to care with evidence-based, medical board-reviewed clinical programs designed to engage patients and improve care at scale.

• HEP & Patient Education: Empower patients with tools that help patients understand their care plan, reinforce in-clinic progress, and allow the flexibility to learn and engage at home.

• RTM: Share outcomes data to keep PCPs in the loop while boosting patient engagement.

• AI & Motion Capture: Enhance patient assessment, streamline care plans, and improve efficiency with AI-enhanced motion capture technology.
  
  

Practices using Medbridge Care aren't just more efficient—they’re better referral partners. To learn more, request a demo today.