Effectiveness of Two Different Entry Portal Pathways Into Primary Care for Musculoskeletal Injury

Effectiveness of Two Different Entry Portal Pathways Into Primary Care for Musculoskeletal Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to compare the self-report functional outcome measures, medical readiness and healthcare utilization (overall cost of imaging, prescription medications for pain, and follow-up visits) of soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries first seen by a physical therapist versus primary care provider.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults over age 18
• Musculoskeletal injury or complaint < 3 months since onset
• Active duty service member, reachable by phone/e-mail within 3 months of initial encounter

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject currently has a permanent profile for any reason OR subject has a temporary profile for a body part in the same half of the body as the current complaint OR solider is pending physical examination board (PEB) or undergoing/pending medical examination board (MEB)
• Individuals undergoing PEB/MEB are made aware that the end-state of the process includes a certain percentage of government monetary compensation based on their physical or mental disability, i.e, higher disability equates to greater pay. Because of this, individuals may be motivated to demonstrate worse outcomes as it may result in a higher disability "rating". For this reason, these individuals will be excluded from the study.
• Subject has been treated previously for the same condition within the past 3 months
• Subject has history of surgery for the same body part within the past 24 months