ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Patient Care Areas

The Governing body is responsible for the designation of these areas. Isn't that the fox minding the hen house scenario? Do massage therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, or physical therapists have patient care areas. Are there any set guidelines that will determine what facility will be classified as a patient care area?

The chiropractors I've been to use electrical muscle-stim devices as part of their treatment. For those who've never experienced them, they tape electrodes across musceles they want to stimulate, and apply a mild electric current.

I understand that the same sort of things are used by physical therapists.

I'd say that there is no question whatsoever that chiropractors' and physical thereapists' offices should be treated a "patient care areas"--they absolutely use electrical equipment that is potentially lethal.

I've never known a massage therapist to use anthing electrical other than a boom box for playing relaxing music.

I have no clue about podiatrists, except that I suspect they use X-ray equipment.

I use two general criteria to make the determination.
First do they list themselves as Doctor ?
Second do they bill insurance companies for their treatment ?
The type of equipment used is not a determining factor since psychiatrist and eye doctors are included in 517 requirements.
Alan--Inspector.