Geriatric Physical Therapist

Physical therapists (PT, and DPT for the current doctoral entry degree) are licensed to evaluate and treat movement problems — after surgery or injury, or from an ongoing condition. Treatment is exercise, manual therapy and education rather than medication. Many states allow direct access, meaning you can be seen without a physician referral, though insurance may still require one.

Older adults, with an emphasis on balance, falls and maintaining independence.

The formal definition

A licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy, who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and evidence-based management of movement in aging adults. This includes, but is not limited to, specialized knowledge in and consideration of normal age-related changes and pathological manifestations across all systems; cognition and mental health; polypharmacy; fall risk mitigation; bone health; healthy and active aging, and socioeconomic and health policy issues affecting aging adults. The geriatric physical therapist is an integral part of the interdisciplinary geriatric team and serves as an advocate for the highest level of well-being for the older adult.

Source: NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set. This is the definition used for billing and registration, which is why it reads the way it does.