25 - Jason Craig of PABC on Why BC Physios Should Be Able to Order Diagnostic Imaging
Jason Craig, Director of Advocacy and Research with the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia, joins Danielle to discuss the current push for BC physiotherapists to order diagnostic imaging. They explore why this matters for patient access, healthcare flow, rural communities, MSK care, emergency departments, and full scope physiotherapy practice.
Jason shares what the research shows about physio-ordered imaging, including conservative ordering patterns, appropriate use, surgical conversion rates, and strong alignment with orthopedic decision-making. He also addresses common concerns, including imaging volume, incidental findings, follow-up pathways, medical records, and implementation logistics. The conversation also covers what a phased rollout could look like in BC, the roles of PABC, UBC, the College, and health authorities, and why collaboration with physicians, radiologists, government, and other healthcare professionals is essential.
Jason Craig Director of Advocacy and Research: Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia Contact:
Email: jcraig@bcphysio.org
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Timestamps
0:00 | Welcome Jason Craig to The Health of Business
0:33 | Jason’s background in teaching, pediatrics, private practice, and PABC advocacy
1:35 | How Jason got involved in research, position statements, and scope work
3:02 | PABC’s diagnostic imaging advocacy push
3:36 | Why now? Research, timing, and pressure on the healthcare system
5:00 | Why this became a passion project
6:06 | Building support across professions, health authorities, municipalities, and government
8:24 | How diagnostic imaging could improve access, reduce costs, and improve outcomes
9:18 | MSK injuries, emergency departments, and streamlining care
10:15 | Trauma, vestibular care, pelvic health, pediatrics, and broader applications
12:07 | Where physios can already order imaging in Canada and internationally
13:47 | Why BC is catching up, not leading, on this issue
16:21 | Why collaboration with physicians and other professions is essential
18:26 | Team-based care and what outpatient care can learn from inpatient models
20:26 | UBC’s Gateway Project and integrated care
22:06 | Imaging volume, conservative ordering, and what the research shows
23:48 | Why not every physio would order imaging
24:48 | Ordering imaging only when it changes the treatment plan
27:35 | Surgical conversion rates and physio-led orthopedic triage
30:11 | Post-op care, DVT concerns, and unnecessary emergency department visits
35:36 | Pushback, reservations, and concerns from Doctors of BC
37:07 | Incidental findings and the need for clear follow-up pathways
40:26 | Medical records, communication systems, and implementation barriers
41:49 | Possible timelines and what happens after open engagement
43:13 | PABC advocates, UBC educates, and the College regulates
44:51 | Education pathways, restricted activities, and advanced practice expectations
47:01 | What comes next: primary care networks and emergency department integration
48:28 | How to connect with Jason and get involved
Keywords:
Jason Craig, PABC, Physiotherapy Association of BC, diagnostic imaging, physio-ordered imaging, BC physiotherapy, scope of practice, full scope practice, MSK care, emergency department, primary care, team-based care, rural healthcare, orthopedic triage, surgical conversion rates, incidental findings, medical records, UBC physiotherapy, health advocacy, Doctors of BC, BC Radiological Society, physiotherapy advocacy