N.B. physiotherapists looking for diagnostic imaging privileges, says association

The group representing the province's physiotherapists is asking the province to follow the lead of several other provinces in letting them order diagnostic imaging for their patients.

But the province has already told the group those changes aren't coming soon.

Currently, if a physiotherapist wants diagnostic imaging tests done on a patient, like an X-ray or MRI, they have to ask the patient's primary care provider to order the test.

This is in contrast to Alberta, Nova Scotia and Quebec, where physiotherapists can order the tests directly.

Annie Boudreau, a board member with the New Brunswick Physiotherapy Association, said the change would be a win-win for patients and the system.

"It's cutting a step," said Boudreau. "It's making it easier for our patients, but it's also reducing the demand on the overall health-care system."

Long time coming

Boudreau said the association commissioned a study looking at the viability of the proposed change and sent it to the province in early 2023.

After 10 months, they still hadn't received a response, but have since been told the province wants to study the issue further.

"Our proposal fits well in their long-term plan but they have to study further," said Boudreau. 

"Well, as far as we are concerned, we don't see how much further they can study."

In a statement to CBC News, Katelin Dean, a spokesperson for the Health Department, said they appreciate the input from the association.

"The department has communicated to the association that it is studying options related to how access to the publicly funded system could be granted to allied health professionals working in private practice settings."

Group doesn't buy N.B.'s concern

Boudreau said the province had expressed concerns with physiotherapists working in the private sector being able to order tests in the public system.

But she said private physios can already see the tests in the public system and can also refer to specialists in the public system.

"It's kind of a difficult argument for us to receive when we see we could help right now, not like, you know, a year from now. There's some stuff we can do at this moment," said Boudreau.

She said while the province has not ruled out making the change in the future, she's concerned this will waste more time as a provincial election needs to be held later this year, meaning the face of the government may change.

"If it's the same government, it's going to be long enough," said Boudreau. "If it's a different government, it's going to be even longer."