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RE: Credentials
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RE: Credentials - December 21, 2007 7:00:48 PM
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Kaden
Posts: 258
Joined: June 17, 2007
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Crevidence,
I don't find most clinic names convey what we do. Typically see things like Star physical therapy, acceleration PT, etc not explaining any kind of specialty.
With PT things are so varied that the title itself does not convey what we do. Most people could tell you an orthopedic surgeon operates, a dermatologist treat things related to skin,etc but ask them what a PT does and they will give you twenty different answers depending on their experience or a friends experience. Thus the need for credentials to distinguish ones self.
How many patients have you had ask about your education required to become a PT and are shocked when it is more than 2-3 years. This does not happen with MD's - everyone seems to know how much school they go to and the expertise is understood. In general, patients and sometimes MD's really have a lack of understanding about what we do in therapy so I think the more we peak their interest by having them inquire about credentials the better. Then this gives us a chance not only to teach about the length of education but also about the extensive con-ed many take to improve skills. Like I said previously, the credentials need to be explained but I think it is a good idea to list them.
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RE: Credentials - December 21, 2007 8:27:40 PM
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Crevidence
Posts: 138
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Kaden,
An orthopedic spine surgeon could also list letters if they want. This would let the pt. know they only deal with the spine and not the rest of the body. This could be an opportunity to educate pt.'s and PT's about what that clinician specifically does. I have yet to see a spine guy do this.
I personally don't think putting the letters behind the name is a good way to peak interest and have others ask about what we do. Why not just have an inservice for the physicians and a pamphlet for future pt.'s? A good CV on the internet would help too. I personally am not feeling the letters as a way to educate about the profession. I think other avenues would be better (especially the CV).
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RE: Credentials - December 21, 2007 9:48:47 PM
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Kaden
Posts: 258
Joined: June 17, 2007
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Crevidence,
An orthopedic surgeon doen't need to list letters behind their name to let people know what they do and their level of education, the general public is very aware of this.
I was speaking more about PT's doing this as a means of starting to educate the public about our level of expretise and knowledge (not as a means to simply imply what we do or may specialize in). I think we fall short with educating the public on many levels in our profession and this is just one way we can start to do it.
I don't disagree with using a CV but how many patients will this reach. When patients and many MD's don't know what quality PT is then they are not going to be searching the net or about a particular PT to find a specialist, say in manual therapy, if they don't even know that is something a therapist can get advanced training in.
In general, when most patients don't know what quality PT consists of we need to continue to educate them regarding this issue and credentials are one avenue to do so.
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RE: Credentials - December 21, 2007 11:05:31 PM
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Crevidence
Posts: 138
Joined: November 16, 2007
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Kaden,
I never knew there were orthopedic surgeons that handle different parts of the body until PT school. I never knew family doctors that do fellowships in sports can apparently get away with more agressively ordering imaging for musculoskeletal conditions (which a fellow just informed me of recently).
I don't think the general puplic is savvy of what different Dr.'s do until they have been through the system.
As an example: A PCP tells a pt. with a hand issue they must see an ortho. The pt. calls the office staff of an ortho group requesting Dr. Jones. Dr. Jones was the one who performed his/her knee surgery. The office staff informs this person the Doc cannot see them for their hand and they must see the hand Doc. Well they get to Dr. smith the hand Ortho who sees them and sends them to the reconstrucive/ plastic hand surgeon.
Seems the pt. should have called up and asked specifically if Dr. Jones did hands. The general public is very aware of what orthopedic Dr.'s do? This person who called for Dr. Jones did not call for a hand person because the general public does not know to do this. They may have known to do this if family, friends or the PCP informed them to. The office staff and the physcian educated them in this case.
This person from the general population probably figured the Orthopod who did their knee could perform "bone" surgery on the entire body. Maybe these orthos need to start listing credentials and educating the public not only about their specialty but also about what all the letters mean. That is a lot for the general population to remember.
Seems similiar to PT. People learn about us through dr.'s friends and the "system". It is our job to speak with physicians and pt.'s about what we have to offer.
Dr.'s speak to those in the medical community all the time. Orthos have presentations for PCP's/PT's and show off the new hand Doc or the super star knee scope guy who just finished a top notch fellowship. The Dr.'s and office staff from the ortho office also help communicate this with the pt.'s. The pain doc's go to PT inservices to hang out, give a medical perspective and let the PT's know what they do. None of them have any initials except MD/DO after the name. What? No initials? Those initials may have really solidified what exactly they do and their qualifications. The initials may have also helped educate the PT.'s and pt.'s.
How are initials behind a name going to really communicate expertise or a specialty to people?
I hope you understand I feel the specialty certifications are a good thing. I am still not sure why the initials are put behind the name. As I think on this and as PHS said, it does almost sound desperate.
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RE: Credentials - December 21, 2007 11:46:00 PM
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jma
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From: NY
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I agree here. Orthopedists here where I work seem to have different specialties and consumers have a hard time getting to the one they need to go to first. They go through maybe 1-2 docs before they get to the one they need to see. Its a waste of time, effort and insurance visits to go through this. They should spell it out. Some do it but many don't. It clutters a business card to spell it out. But a well designed webpage can expand on this and this should be clear to consumers.
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 12:00:21 AM
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jlharris
Posts: 468
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From: Nebraska
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Crevidence,
It appears you are missing the point. An MD does not need additional letters as after their residency they are a GP, Ortho surgeon, OB/GYN, Pediatrician, dermatologist, neurosurgeon, oncologist, etc, etc. That is what they are. No need for any more explaination. If you are going to have a baby, who do you go to? An OB. Easy. If you have a neurological impairment, what PT do you go to? Who knows. Heck, I work in an OP ortho setting, and get initial evals on peds, CVA, wound care and more. There are deffinitely better suited practices in the area for these (and I do refer when needed) but the pt has no idea. A PT is a PT right? Our degree is an "entry level" degree enabling us to work in any setting.
Until we adopt a profession wide mandate of specific post graduate training (ie residencies of fellowships) OCS, GCS, etc is the best we have and need to be used.
Edit - I started my post earlier in the night and finished just now. Please forgive in incongruancy with the other posts.
< Message edited by jlharris -- December 22, 2007 12:04:05 AM >
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Jason L. Harris, PT, DPT
My PT Blog
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 12:37:04 PM
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Crevidence
Posts: 138
Joined: November 16, 2007
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Jl,
I don't think I am missing the point. I am trying to get to the point. The point being: What are valid reasons to place other letters beside academic degrees after one's name?
I think the ortho example above adresses the fact the general population isn't too savvy at what medical specialties do either.
At the offices I work in, if the child is under 8 or immature they get referred. If they have neuro issues we can't handle they get refferred. This usually happens over the phone as they schedule. I rarely see anything inappropriate for my setting make it to the eval.
APTA states they are voluntary. Why do they "need to be used". Is the "need to be used" an emotional reaction secondary to pride in what we do?
It seems socially in the PT community placing letters behind the name is the "cool" thing to do. It also seems many take great pride in having them listed. Are pride and emotion a valid reasons to list them?
Are these letters really a logical way to comunicate to the public what we do or are they emotional?
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 3:23:55 PM
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Dr.Wagner
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From: Indianapolis
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I agree with the above, the use of additional non degreed letters behind the name deals more with EGO than with patient ease in understanding the skill of the therapist.
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 6:00:18 PM
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jlharris
Posts: 468
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From: Nebraska
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How, then, should a PT convey their advanced clinical skills - those attained through a standardized, APTA sanctioned certification process? I do not have a OCS, GCS, or other specialist certification, but when I do, I will make every effort to make it known to the public, my pt's, and other professionals. By not adding it after my PT I'm at a lost of how else to do this. Anyone have a good idea except to say it's ego to do so?
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Jason L. Harris, PT, DPT
My PT Blog
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 6:41:55 PM
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jma
Posts: 2310
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From: NY
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If consumer go to the APTA website and click on the "Find a PT". one can find this information. First, the consumer needs to know about the site as well as other professionals. However, one needs to be a member of the APTA in order to post this information there.
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 6:45:57 PM
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TexasOrtho
Posts: 400
Joined: December 22, 2007
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I display my OCS on my business cards and professional email signatures. There is a PT who works with us who signs "OCS" after her name which I find a bit silly.
After working my butt off to pass the test, I don't mind displaying the credential. I guess it's an issue of when displaying becomes flaunting. How others regard my credential matters little to me.
< Message edited by TexasOrtho -- December 22, 2007 6:49:10 PM >
_____________________________
Rod Henderson, PT
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (or Super-Freak)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
www.texasorthopedics.blogspot.com
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 8:20:53 PM
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Crevidence
Posts: 138
Joined: November 16, 2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jlharris
How, then, should a PT convey their advanced clinical skills - those attained through a standardized, APTA sanctioned certification process?
You could do what other professionals do and put them in a CV format on the internet. Put a CV on pamphlets for the clinic to distribute to pt.'s and Dr.'s. Introduce yourself as a specialist if need be to the pt.'s. Go to physician's offices and give a quick presentation on how you manage LBP and let them know how you are specialized. I feel these are excellent and classy ways to make your credentials known to the public.
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 8:27:03 PM
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TexasOrtho
Posts: 400
Joined: December 22, 2007
Status: online
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quote:
other professionals do and put them in a CV format on the internet. Put a CV on pamphlets for the clinic to distribute to pt.'s and Dr.'s. Introduce yourself as a
Several surgeons in our area list their area of focus on their business cards. (ie Spine, Foot and Ankle, Shoulder and Knee) Many surgeons also put FACS at the ends of their names to indcate their standing within the profession.
_____________________________
Rod Henderson, PT
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (or Super-Freak)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
www.texasorthopedics.blogspot.com
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 8:30:27 PM
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Crevidence
Posts: 138
Joined: November 16, 2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TexasOrtho
How others regard my credential matters little to me.
The fact you display it indicates it does matter. Think deeply, why does it matter? Does it give you satisfaction that others know you worked your butt off to pass the test every time they see your signature? Is this a valid reason to list them?
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 8:56:50 PM
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TexasOrtho
Posts: 400
Joined: December 22, 2007
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Crevidence
quote:
ORIGINAL: TexasOrtho
How others regard my credential matters little to me.
The fact you display it indicates it does matter. Think deeply, why does it matter? Does it give you satisfaction that others know you worked your butt off to pass the test every time they see your signature? Is this a valid reason to list them?
Your first point is well taken. The credential does matter to me and certainly is a source of pride. Whether you care or not does not matter to me - this was my point. The certifications are noteworthy among this profession and I think those who have earned them should proudly display them in any manner they see fit.
Do I think it get's excessive? Sure - some folks have credentials a mile long and I get a laugh out of it. However listing an APTA credential should be encouraged.
Your last question: Is it valid to list them? Absolutely. Do you agree with me? It doesn't matter. 
_____________________________
Rod Henderson, PT
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (or Super-Freak)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
www.texasorthopedics.blogspot.com
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RE: Credentials - December 22, 2007 11:36:26 PM
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SJBird55
Posts: 2286
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From: Michigan
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jma... you bring up a great example for members of the APTA - the Find a PT tool on the APTA website. That Find a PT tool is for the PUBLIC and to help the PUBLIC. Have any of you actually clicked through the PT's listed in your zip code? What do you see? Does any of the information you see really and truly help anyone in the public choose a PT??? I haven't seen one yet that I felt was consumer friendly, except mine. (I'm biased.) What do PT's do? They list their credentials at the top (THAT automatically happens because of the APTA database)... then PT jargon fills the dumb thing and how exactly is Joe Schmo going to choose a PT? For example, does Joe Schmo know what TMJ is? If the only thing the prospective patient is able to see is what you wrote within that Find a PT, don't you want to make a connect with that prospective patient? Don't you want that prospective patient to pick up the phone and call or email? If any of you actually know me... go ahead find me in membership... get my zip code... then Find a PT using my zip code. Look at my listing... I can assure you that it is consumer friendly and not some ego driven drivel.
Crevidence, I genuinely want the people that live in my area to truly choose their provider. The more information that I can give to them to assist them in making that choice the better off they are. I would much rather have a person that put some thought into their choice of provider and "care enough to compare" than someone just walking in the doors going through the motions to receive physical therapy services because their physician told them to. I truly want to change their perspective and introduce the idea that our services are so much more than a commodity. I am hoping to do that by sharing what my credentials mean and allowing for those in my community to learn that there is a difference in physical therapist - on a quality level, on a skill level and on a credential level. We just started tracking what I'd call "loyalty" 3 months ago and I'm telling you, I am hitting my "loyalty" goal... I want prospective patients to become patients and then have their personal loyalty in the future AND gain their family, neighbors and friends.
Not everyone is the same, Crevidence. The educational choices that I've made in my career were made for two reasons 1) to serve the patients better and 2) for business reasons. Hey, I'll admit it - what I do is business. I tend to think in terms of risk/benefit. I generally make my professional decisions with benefit in mind. You better bet that I'm going to do whatever it takes to compete with the hospital up the road in a fair and tasteful manner (if that means setting myself as being different because I have credentials, you better bet I'm going to use those to my advantage). In fact, my initial business plan, I viewed my credentials as an advantage - they are.. but they aren't going to be an advantage if they aren't shared or explained to prospective patients. I do consider financial returns, but at the same time I really try to do it in the right way. One unhappy customer in my little locale wouldn't be very good because we all know what happens when someone has a bad experience....
The decision to use credentials isn't all ego driven....
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RE: Credentials - December 23, 2007 12:52:10 AM
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Crevidence
Posts: 138
Joined: November 16, 2007
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At this point I am concluding from this thread that listing credentials behind one's name is likely ego and financially driven.
Texas,
What is an FACS?
SJ,
Possibly getting people in the door is a very logical reason to list them.
< Message edited by Crevidence -- December 23, 2007 12:58:38 AM >
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RE: Credentials - December 23, 2007 1:35:46 AM
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TexasOrtho
Posts: 400
Joined: December 22, 2007
Status: online
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FACS = Fellow American College of Surgery. Check the following link and scroll down to their board of governers. Lot's of "MD, FACS" wouldn't you say?
http://www.facs.org/about/corppro.html#governance
_____________________________
Rod Henderson, PT
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist (or Super-Freak)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
www.texasorthopedics.blogspot.com
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