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PTs are qualified to serve in primary care roles, but there are policy barriers.
Primary care physical therapy includes diagnostic and management services for individuals with physical and functional needs, including wellness and prevention. As of 2025, physical therapists can become board-certified in the specialty area of primary care.
Primary care presents a significant opportunity for PTs and the health care system to produce better outcomes, ensure optimal utilization of resources, and reduce costs. APTA advocates for physical therapists as an entry point to care.
APTA Federal hosts a Primary Care Special Interest Group for those who share a common interest in this topic.
Recommended Content
Oct 16, 2025 / Resource
Primary care physical therapy highlights the role of physical therapists as integral members of a patient’s primary care team. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants should familiarize themselves with the specific roles, scope, and competencies
Sep 23, 2024 / Policies & Bylaws
House position: Physical therapists possess clinical expertise in the prevention and management of common health conditions seen in primary care settings.
Dec 1, 2018 / Feature
Across the country, PTs are stepping into primary care roles. The journey to wider integration is under way, but obstacles remain.
Additional Primary Care Content
Apr 1, 2026 / Article
How APTA and its members are working to advance physical therapists as entry-point providers.
Dec 20, 2022 / News
An APTA-backed House committee directive says the Department of Defense could save money and increase readiness with PTs.
Apr 1, 2022 / Article
Preparing a pediatric patient who will need ongoing physical therapy into adulthood may require years of planning.
Jun 30, 2017 / News
PTs "are in the perfect position to be involved in primary care," according to John Heick, PT, DPT, PhD, but to make the most of the opportunity, PTs need to understand the current primary care landscape and its potential for the future.
Jun 21, 2017 / Report
Review this APTA-led investigation into the PT's role in primary care settings.