IN CLINIC TRAINING: Understanding the Responsibilities of Treating Physicians in Workers' Compensation. Click this box for more on this opportunity.

We invite clinic staff and billers to join us for an important session introducing the unique responsibilities involved when accepting the role of a treating physician under workers' compensation. APTA Montana is committed to supporting your practice in accurately and confidently fulfilling this role, ensuring compliance and best outcomes for your patients and business. We look forward to helping you navigate these responsibilities with clarity and support. 

FAQ: Why Bring in an Expert on SB 109 and the New Treating Physician Role for Physical Therapists?

  1. What is SB 109 and how does it change the role of Physical Therapists in Montana?
    •  SB 109, effective October 1, 2025, allows licensed Physical Therapists in Montana to serve as Treating Physicians under the Montana Workers' Compensation system. This significantly expands the PT's responsibilities in diagnosis, documentation, reporting, treatment planning, and legal compliance within the WC framework.
  2. Why should our clinic invest in an expert presentation on this law?
    • Transitioning into a Treating Physician role involves more than just a title change. An expert can help your clinic: 
      • Understand legal and regulatory requirements under Montana WC law
      • Avoid potential liability or compliance missteps
      • Clarify documentation and reporting standards now expected of PTs
      • Optimize workflows for managing the rehabilitation of workers after work related injury.
      • Educate your team on their rights and responsibilities under the new designation
  3. What risks are involved if our PTs take on this role without proper training?
    •  Without adequate preparation, PTs and clinics may face:
      • Legal exposure from improper case management or billing errors
      • Delays in claims or denials due to incorrect reporting
      • Challenges in coordinating care and referrals under new authority
      • Risk of overstepping or underperforming duties expected of a "treating physician" role 
  4. What specific topics will be covered during a clinic presentation?
    • Key areas might include:
      • Overview of SB 109 and Montana WC rules
      • Roles and responsibilities of a Treating Physician
      • Legal definitions and limits of PT authority
      • Best practices for documentation, coding, and billing
      • Communication with insurers, employers, and legal representatives
      • Risk management strategies
  5. How will this benefit our clinic in the long term?
    • Educating your team now positions your clinic as a leader in compliant, high-quality workers' compensation care. It ensures your providers, billing team and front office staff are confident, prepared, and proactive--enhancing your reputation with employers, patients, and payers across the state.


Conclusion:

SB 109 creates exciting opportunities for PTs--but also serious responsibilities. A targeted expert session can help your clinic navigate the transition with confidence and step into this role to help those injured at work in the most successful way possible. 

About the Instructor:
Lorena Pettet Payne

  • Physical Therapist, Masters of Public Health Administration, Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
  • Lorena Pettet Payne assists companies in minimizing risk and promoting healthy work habits in diverse settings including auto manufacturing, steel production, food processing, light manufacturing, ranching, construction, the service industry and office environments.   
  • As adjunct faculty, Lorena taught occupational safety and health for nearly 2 decades at the University of Montana for the doctoral program in Physical Therapy.
  • She has served in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in various elected positions including two terms as president of the Occupational Health special interest group and two terms as president of the Montana chapter of APTA.
  • Lorena is co-author of the clinical practice guideline:  Clinical Guidance to Optimize Work Participation After Injury or Illness: The Role of Physical Therapists
Pricing:
  1. Legislative Donors:
    •  10 participants: $299
    •  15 participants: $429
    •  20 participants: $559
2. APTA Montana Members:
  •  10 participants: $499
  • 15 participants: $739
  • 20 participants: $979
3. Non-Members:
  • 10 participants: $999
  • 15 participants: $1449
  • 20 participants: $1899

 

Quick Reference Guide (You may also download the information below in pdf format using this link)
Physical Therapist as Primary Treating Physician Montana Workers' Compensation

 Effective October 1, 2025

Overview: Montana Senate Bill 109 allows licensed physical therapists to serve as Primary Treating Physician for injured workers. PTs may now coordinate care, make determinations, and manage cases under the Workers' Compensation rules. 39-71-116. Definitions, MCA

Responsibilities of the Primary Treating Physician:

  • Coordinate Medical Services
    • Manage the injured worker's care and referrals.
  • Provide Determinations
    • Physical restrictions
    • Return-to-work status
    • Job analysis approval
    • Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
  • Adhere to Montana's Utilization and Treatment Guidelines*
    • ​​​​​​​ Ensure all care complies with standards.
  • Conduct or Arrange Impairment Ratings
    •  As appropriate for the case.
  • Refer to Specialty Providers      
    • ​​​​​​​When care exceeds scope or requires specialized input.
  • Functional Evaluation            
    • Complete at initial assessment and approximately every two weeks
  • Submit the Medical Status Form    
    • ​​​​​​​at each evaluation and re-evaluation, to insurer and employer                  

*No authorization needed as long as treating provider adheres to Montana Utilization and Treatment Guidelines.

 

Best Practices & Resources:

  • Clinical Best Practices
    • Use job demands and functional assessments to guide care.
    • Screen for psychosocial barriers to recovery.
    • Apply work-focused and psychologically informed interventions.
    • Collaborate with employers and insurers to support return-to-work.

____________________________________

Resources:

Montana Utilization and Treatment Guidelines

Montana Professional Fee Schedule

Medical Status Form

FAQ-for-Medical-Providers.pdf

Clinical Guidance:

Occupational Health SIG - APTA Orthopedics


Next Steps:

  • APTA Montana offers the following opportunities:
    1. Live, 45-minute presentation in your clinic, schedule with a WC professional from APTA Montana, details above and on our event page.
    2. APTA Montana Fall Conference in Missoula Live - October 3-5, 2025