Step #4 Toward Being Trusted Facilities Where Physicians Refer Their Patients [Connecting Health Clubs to Healthcare Series]

Based on the results of a research study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health between May 2019 and February 2020, physicians surveyed indicate that they write exercise prescriptions/referrals to a variety of professionals, including physical therapists, athletic trainers, health coaches, and exercise professionals.  They also indicate that they may be more likely to refer to a physical therapist than an exercise professional because of insurance reimbursement.  These referrals can be a significant source of new patients for physical therapists.  Yet patients may have a limited number of visits with their physical therapist and may further benefit from a referral to an exercise professional for ongoing assistance.  

Step #4 of a 10-step roadmap for health & fitness centers toward being trusted facilities where physicians refer their patients is:

Explore partnering with physical therapy to secure a pipeline of new members transitioning from physical therapy to regular exercise programs.

Sometimes what I will do is try to tie in their physical therapy evaluation and treatment with the ultimate goal of having them transition to their health club. Physician

Bantham, A. (2020). Perspectives on Exercise Prescriptions/Referrals and Patient Exercise Behavior Change: A Mixed Methods Study of Physicians and Exercise Professionals (Doctoral dissertation).