Duplication of Services

What is Duplication of Services?

Duplication of Services is a phrase used to describe Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists working on the same thing.  There is a fine line between working on the same thing and working towards a common goal.  Below are some examples of how to differentiate the goals of PT and OT.

Documenting Differentiated Services

Functional Mobility:

PT: Patient will ambulate 50 feet with adequate toe clearance 90% of the time requiring only supervision and a rolling walker.

OT: Patient will demonstrate safe maneuvering in small bathroom space during bathing and toileting tasks as evidenced by no verbal cues for safety and no loss of balance.

Transfers:

PT: Patient will demonstrate 4/5 lower extremity strength to transfer from sit to standing to prepare for ambulation.

OT: Patient will complete a toilet transfer from the bed to commode to facilitate independent toileting.

Balance:

PT: Patient will be able to independently ambulate around obstacles in their room without loss of balance.

OT: Patient will independently complete grooming tasks standing at sink without loss of balance.