PT Practice Manager:
This landmark malpractice claims study focuses on the practice of physical therapy. The study was conducted by CNA, the underwriter for the HPSO program. CNA and HPSO have partnered for more than a decade to deliver insurance solutions to physical therapists, both individual practitioners and group practices. The program has grown significantly since its inception and now provides insurance services to more than 75,000 physical therapy providers.
CNA conducted this study to foster awareness of risks; to enhance the focus on patient safety among physical therapy practitioners; to identify areas of focus for risk management.
The study utilizes the claims data of the physical therapists who have been insured through the HPSO program between 1993 and 2006. This study is not intended to reflect the claims experience of all physical therapists but rather is a snapshot of data that, along with the attendant risk management recommendations, can be used to complement your risk management policies, procedures, and training.
We are pleased with the study results. There is no indication in the results that manipulation*, autonomous practice or direct access have adversely impacted the risk profile of the physical therapy profession. Rather, it is the more "routine" incidents of slips and falls, burns, insufficient supervision, and the like that have caused the most concern. These are areas that can be remedied by education, training, and awareness, which is the intent of the study recommendations.
We trust that this study provides you and your staff with important risk management information to help you in your "day to day" practice of physical therapy.
* Claims alleging "manipulation" in this Claim Study are comprised of those manual therapies used by the physical therapist to mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints. No claims alleging injury as a result of spinal manipulation were found in the data sample. CNA continues to take the position that there are not any trends relative to manipulation that would indicate that this procedure presents a risk factor of specific concern. Further, CNA currently does not anticipate any impact to rates in the program related to physical therapists performing manipulation.
