What can PTs do in primary care?

• A. Evaluate & Treat
• B. Refer to specialists
• C. Screen for SDOH
• D. Evaluate & Treat, Refer to Specialists, and Screen for Social Determinants of Health

Answer: (D)

In primary care, physical therapists can function as autonomous clinicians who address movement-related problems by evaluating and treating them with appropriate interventions. They can also know when a patient needs additional or different care and make referrals to the right specialists to ensure comprehensive management. Beyond that, PTs can screen for social determinants of health—factors like housing, transportation, food security, and access to resources—that affect recovery and adherence to care. This combination—evaluating and treating, referring to specialists, and screening for social determinants of health—captures the full role PTs can play in a primary care setting. The other options only describe part of that scope, whereas the complete approach reflects how PTs contribute to holistic, patient-centered care.