This course will explore the physical therapist?s role as an independent practitioner working within a collaborative medical model. Inherent in the responsibilities associated with this role is the ability to recognize clinical manifestations that suggest that physician contact is warranted regarding a client?s health status. Equally important is recognizing what one can omit from the examination scheme on a given day while placing the client at minimal risk. A proposed examination scheme will provide the structure for our discussion. Presenting the clinical tools and decision-making processes necessary to more efficiently and effectively collect and evaluate the examination data will be the focus of this seminar. Professional communication with the client and other health care professionals will also be a central theme.