A family physician refers a patient to physical therapy for chronic low back pain, and the patient is also seeing a massage therapist. Which action is MOST appropriate?

• A. Gain permission to contact massage therapist
• B. Treat the patient on days not seen by the massage therapist
• C. Discontinue massage therapy
• D. Discontinue the physical therapy

Answer: (A)

Coordinating care among multiple providers is crucial when a patient is receiving therapy from more than one professional. The most appropriate action is to gain permission to contact the massage therapist. By obtaining the patient’s consent to share information, the physical therapist can align treatment goals, monitor for potential contraindications or interactions, and ensure that both therapies complement each other rather than duplicated or conflicting. This protects patient safety, respects confidentiality, and supports a cohesive plan of care.

Taking action without coordination risks unsafe or inefficient care—for example, massage could affect muscle tone, pain perception, or range of motion in ways that the other provider needs to know about. Discontinuing either therapy or trying to schedule around the other without communication also ignores the value of collaborative care and could leave the patient with gaps or confusion in treatment.