CHT Professional Practice 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CHT documents that a patient demonstrated 'fair' grip strength without including specific measurement values. This documentation is problematic because:
- Subjective descriptors suffice for most payers
- Objective, measurable data are required to demonstrate progress and justify care (Correct answer)
- Payers only require functional outcome scores
- Qualitative terms are acceptable under Medicare guidelines
Correct answer: Objective, measurable data are required to demonstrate progress and justify care
Objective and measurable data (e.g., dynamometer readings in kg or lbs) are required to demonstrate baseline, progress, and justify continued skilled services.
Question 2: A CHT is considering opening a private practice. Which business consideration is critical from a legal standpoint?
- Choosing a catchy clinic name
- Obtaining appropriate liability insurance and business licensure (Correct answer)
- Hiring the maximum number of staff possible
- Setting rates below all local competitors
Correct answer: Obtaining appropriate liability insurance and business licensure
Operating a hand therapy practice requires appropriate professional liability insurance and compliance with state business licensing laws.
Question 3: When a patient refuses a recommended treatment, the CHT should:
- Document the refusal and explore the patient's concerns (Correct answer)
- Discharge the patient immediately for non-compliance
- Proceed with treatment against the patient's wishes
- Contact the physician to override the patient's decision
Correct answer: Document the refusal and explore the patient's concerns
Respecting patient autonomy requires documenting the refusal, exploring underlying concerns, and continuing to provide education about risks.
Question 4: Which outcome measure is specifically validated for use in patients with hand and upper extremity conditions in the US?
- SF-36
- QuickDASH (Correct answer)
- Barthel Index
- FIM (Functional Independence Measure)
Correct answer: QuickDASH
The QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) is a validated, widely used outcome measure specific to upper extremity function.
Question 5: A CHT providing telehealth services must primarily ensure compliance with:
- Only the state laws where the therapist is physically located
- State licensure laws where the patient is located and applicable telehealth regulations (Correct answer)
- Federal telehealth billing codes only
- The guidelines of the therapist's professional association only
Correct answer: State licensure laws where the patient is located and applicable telehealth regulations
For telehealth, the therapist must hold licensure in the state where the patient is receiving services and comply with that state's telehealth regulations.
Question 6: An employer asks a CHT to perform a post-offer, pre-employment functional capacity evaluation. The CHT's primary responsibility is to:
- Ensure the evaluation favors hiring the candidate
- Conduct an objective assessment that complies with ADA guidelines (Correct answer)
- Identify reasons to disqualify the applicant
- Evaluate only at the employer's direction without standard protocols
Correct answer: Conduct an objective assessment that complies with ADA guidelines
Post-offer FCEs must be conducted objectively using standardized protocols and must comply with ADA requirements to avoid discriminatory practices.
Question 7: A CHT notices signs of potential elder abuse in a patient being treated for a hand injury. Under most US state laws, the therapist is:
- Not required to report suspicions unless certain
- A mandatory reporter who must report suspected elder abuse to the appropriate authority (Correct answer)
- Required only to document the suspicion in the chart
- Permitted to report only with patient permission
Correct answer: A mandatory reporter who must report suspected elder abuse to the appropriate authority
Most US states designate healthcare professionals, including therapists, as mandatory reporters of suspected elder abuse.
CHT Professional Practice 5
A CHT documents that a patient demonstrated 'fair' grip strength without including specific measurement values.
This documentation is problematic because: