An Overview of 5 Years of Patient Self-Referral for Physical Therapy in the Netherlands

Background Self-referral for physical therapy was introduced in 2006 in the Netherlands. Internationally, debate on self-referral is still ongoing. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of self-referral for physical therapy in the Netherlands, focusing on volume of general practice and physical therapy care (incidence rates and utilization of services). Design The study was based on monitoring data from existing data sources. Methods Longitudinal electronic medical record data from general practitioners (GPs) and physical therapists participating in the NIVEL Primary Care... Mehr ...