What must all PTs do before applying treatment to a patient?

Obtaining patient consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in the practice of physical therapy and healthcare in general. Before applying any treatment, healthcare providers, including physical therapists, must ensure that they have the patient's informed consent. This process involves clearly explaining the proposed treatment, potential risks and benefits, and answering any questions the patient may have.

Informed consent is vital not only to respect the autonomy of the patient but also to protect the therapist legally; it ensures that the patient understands and agrees to the treatment being provided. This step establishes a trusting relationship between the therapist and the patient and is a crucial aspect of professional practice.

While discussing treatment options, confirming insurance details, and documenting patient history are all important aspects of caring for a patient, they do not replace the necessity of obtaining consent. Consent is a prerequisite for any clinical intervention, making it the correct choice in this context.