Extended roles in primary care when physiotherapist-initiated referral to X-ray can save time and reduce costs.

An extended role for physiotherapists in primary care in referring patients to X-ray was effective and safe for patients and reduced costs for patients and for healthcare. Physiotherapists in primary care were able to refer patients to X-ray after a 1 day of training, and the extended role freed up 45 min of physician time for each patient with a musculoskeletal disorder in need of an X-ray.