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Crevidence -> Credentials (December 16, 2007 8:48:57 PM)

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proud -> RE: Credentials (December 16, 2007 8:53:03 PM)

In Canada, Physiotherapists are meant to only do as you say...John smith PT. The extra garbage at the end of the name should not be there.



SJBird55 -> RE: Credentials (December 16, 2007 10:09:58 PM)

I am an athletic trainer, certified AND a board certified clinical specialist in geriatrics.  I choose to use the letters after my name because I believe it does assist the people in my community in choosing their provider.  (The business card I designed for myself defines those letters to make it easy for the public to readily understand the significance of the letters.)  I choose to use the letters after my typed name within my documentation for 2 reasons, from a legal perspective it does identify my scope of practice or standard of practice and from a marketing perspective - there is not a single geriatric clinical specialist in a 90 mile radius of me and the ones that are in Michigan predominantly practice in skilled nursing facilities combined with the fact that I don't believe there is a single PT, MS, GCS, ATC in my state.  All of my typed documentation also includes my state license number for all to verify the status of my license.  Because I have chosen to use those letters behind my name, referral sources tend to either contact me or refer the patients that fall within my specialty.  A few doors have been opened for me because of my sharing of those letters - a few consulting projects with attorneys, a balance screening project, being a liaison between rehab and geriatricians within the hospital system I had practiced.... 

Currently, I own my own business and it is in my best interest to set myself apart from the typical physical therapist.  I am also a firm believer in outcomes and I am not bashful about sharing mine.  The brochure that I created for prospective patients provides independent data supplied by a company that was paid by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to report utilization rates and cost of services of providers and compare individual providers to the provider's peers in Michigan.  I also created one page informational sheets that easily provide information for patients that typically seek services with the main information being the change in pain and the change in function that occurs within the average number of visits and duration of time.  In other words, I don't have the expectation that the letters behind my name should signify that I am the best choice for prospective patients... I provide them with the information and they are free to choose their provider.

Physicians in my locale do list their fellowships and board certifications.  They have this information on their referral forms for their companies, on their company web sites and on their business cards.



jlharris -> RE: Credentials (December 16, 2007 10:40:50 PM)

You WILL find MD's doing the same.  eg John Smith, MD, FACS or Jane Doe, MD, MS, FACPM, FAADEP, CIME.

Not that we all need to have all of the extra all of the time.  But, at times, the additional certs help to convey your qualification related to the particular care you are giving.  Example, GCS working and directing fall prevention program for seniors.  It's there to help convey this person's expertise.  Point is, if you work with MD's that have some type of specialist certification, look on their business card or listing of where they are employed.  9/10 the certification acronyms will be listed.  Although they most likely just sign MD.

I do not know why I'm suddenly writing in bold.  Won't change for me.



jma -> RE: Credentials (December 16, 2007 10:50:09 PM)

Couldn't agree more with the two previous posts. With todays diverse population, there needs to be those who have specific areas if expertise to communicate those level(s) to the community.



Dr.Wagner -> RE: Credentials (December 17, 2007 1:28:05 AM)

I think the biggest concern from those professional and nonprofessional alike is "what do these initials mean...what does it take to GET those initials...what is the regulating body that licenses those initials...do they add anything to the practice act"
Example:  a personal trainer can get certified by MULTIPLE different agencies, yet what are the true requirements?  A CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist) is another example.

I say use the academic degrees only.  Certifications can be seen in the marketing data or your CV.



Kaden -> RE: Credentials (December 17, 2007 1:54:09 AM)

I don't see any problem with listing credentials after your professional designation, especially if explained on a business card such as SJ Bird described.

The question of do the public and MDs know what these mean is a whole other issue.  this becomes the job of those with the credentials and the organizations providing these credentials to educate,educate,educate.

From this point people can take it or leave it.  If an MD chooses to not put much stock in a particular set of initials then so be it.  However, once educated regarding there meaning, some in the public or the healthcare profession may choose to seek/refer to  the services of someone with certian credentials.  Then great, these initials have worked as a good marketing tool for those who hold them.

We use different marketing tactics all the time so why shouldn't those with the initials be able to use them to gain whatever advantage they can. 

Initials may not necessarily signify expertise but for me I will gather some initials and educate the MDs and the public rather than being the PT without initials trying to educate why they may or may not matter.



SJBird55 -> RE: Credentials (December 17, 2007 7:39:05 AM)

Crevidence, explaining the letters on the business card and on my typed clinical documentation under my signature is helpful for others.  I just sign my name as my name on everything without any letters because under my name is my typed name with the letters and then under that in smaller font is my license number and the meaning for each of the credentials.

You all have to realize that at this day in age gaining prospective patients is much different than it was many years ago.  I can't say that I only focus on referral sources - I place the bulk of my energies into the community and the public and the patients that walk in the door that are served at my clinic.  I like the credentials I use because they are unique and some patients actually seek someone like myself out for services.  When I was working at the hospital 10-12% of the patients that I treated were geriatric.  At my own clinic 40% of my patients are geriatric.  Why would there be such a difference in my patient population when I'm in the same community and 1/2 mile down the road from where I had been employed?  That is an easy question... the hospital never marketed me and my qualifications... I have educated the people in my community and from my perspective whatever I am doing is working  - I'm having a greater bulk of patients that fit my qualifications.

Crevidence, physicians don't have to ask me where my residency occurred because I am very upfront and respond in my answer that for my GCS I studied for a year, paid a chunk of money, was fortunate to be accepted as a candidate, and then passed the exam.  The question that most physicians actually ask me though is why would I choose to be a certified athletic trainer AND have a GCS.  My response is that I know that the geriatric population is growing and I believe that those in that population should have someone that they can trust for their care that is knowledgeable in the normal aging process and the typical issues the geriatric population faces.  I state that I had originally considered obtaining OCS, but when I took a practice exam without any studying, I got 80% correct as opposed to the 15% correct on the practice exam for the GCS.  Obviously, that right there told me that I sucked with the geriatric population at that time in my career.  I decided I needed to do something about it.  From a business perspective, I also knew that the geriatric population was going to continue to grow and I was doing some career strategic planning - having the GCS would potentially have more value than an OCS in the future.

I choose to include my credentials on my typed documentation because one day I'd like to do something different with my life.  I never know who just might happen to see my documentation and a person reading the credentials listed might be interested in me for a project.  I take the risk of irritating some who find no value in seeing credentials listed but at the same time know that if I don't share those credentials there won't be the potential for opportunities extended to me.

The issue of using credentials or not using credentials is a topic within the APTA.  My opinion is simply to do it right.  Credentials listed without explanation are not helpful to anyone.  Be kind and explain. 



PHS -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 2:19:03 PM)

As much as I hate to admit it, i believe you said it yourself, it is used as a within the profession communicator.
What you are telling other PTs and PTA is LOOK AT ME ,and WHAT IVE DONE, therefore validating ourselves and our skills as unique.

While Im an advocate for the pursuing of further education and training, I think this need for peer recognition through the alphabet letters can in the end serve as an antagonist towards the profession, it almost sounds desperate...
On the other side, it is valid to feel proud of the extra effort taken to excel within our profession, and therefore display our hard earned work!. After all through extra time, money and effort we did it!! and we have the right to display them...right??
The true question lies with the APTA, and whatever stance they take on this issue. If what we are seeking is  the 2020 vision and be seen as a doctoral profession, the autonomy, respect, MSK go to guys, etc, etc thereby bridging the gap b/t PT's and MD's,  then perhaps we should take the example from our doctoral "compadres" and omit the alphabet soup altogether. How does this look? Joe Snuffy MD, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, ATC, SCS, OMT, CMT, COMT, CSCS, MBA, NBC, ABC, CBS, TVN, WGN, HBO..etc, etc.

Robert Duvall! but how about trimming all of those letters by half huh?



PHS -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 2:27:23 PM)

"I choose to include my credentials on my typed documentation because one day I'd like to do something different with my life.  I never know who just might happen to see my documentation and a person reading the credentials listed might be interested in me for a project.  I take the risk of irritating some who find no value in seeing credentials listed but at the same time know that if I don't share those credentials there won't be the potential for opportunities extended to me. "

SJ,

When you sign SJ, PT, GCS do you have a small parentheses (geriatric certified specialist)? next to your signature??
b/c if you dont I dont think anybody would really care what that means, b/c they'll have no idea what it means!
Though i understand the rationale behind referral sources, I dont see any valid reason aside from the financial gain.



jlharris -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 4:11:22 PM)

 
quote:

ORIGINAL: PHS

Though i understand the rationale behind referral sources, I dont see any valid reason aside from the financial gain.



And the problem with this is??

Here's the thing.  Unlilke MD's we do not have residencies (required) to become "specialized" in a particular area.  So while Joe Blow, MD is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon, or board certified physiatrist, etc, the rest of the world has now idea with what we are "specialized" in.  Thus, the use of GCS, OCS, etc.  If you work with peds, have additional specific knowledge tested in a standardized way, how do you let the rest of the world know?  With listing credentials, that's how.  And yes it is a marketing tool to help with business and make more money.  Is it wrong to want to be successful financially and clinically?



SJBird55 -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 6:39:02 PM)

PHS, I stated above that my credentials are defined under my name.  There are no parentheses.

It is more than financial gain... financial gain and empowering prospective patients to choose their provider.  Of course to empower patients the credentials should be defined for all to readily understand (as was mentioned above).



Kaden -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 7:00:48 PM)

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.





Kaden -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 9:48:47 PM)

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.



jma -> RE: Credentials (December 21, 2007 11:46:00 PM)

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.



jlharris -> RE: Credentials (December 22, 2007 12:00:21 AM)

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.



Dr.Wagner -> RE: Credentials (December 22, 2007 3:23:55 PM)

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. 



jlharris -> RE: Credentials (December 22, 2007 6:00:18 PM)

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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