Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider?

Presented by Phil Plisky and Lance Mabry

Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider?

12-Month Subscription

Unlimited access to:

  • Thousands of CE Courses
  • Patient Education
  • Home Exercise Program
  • And more
Rehab and Performance Lab: Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider? (Episode 21)

Audio Runtime: 57 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 21 Minutes

Lance Mabry, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, assistant professor at High Point University and seasoned imaging educator, joins host Phil Plisky for a conversation that challenges the status quo around imaging in rehab. Together, they explore how clinicians like you can step into a more informed, active role when it comes to referring, reviewing, and communicating about diagnostic imaging. You’ll hear practical insights that help you avoid common missteps, reduce patient harm, and advocate for evidence-based, ethical decision-making. Whether you’re a PT, AT, OT, or SLP, this episode equips you to better navigate the gray areas of imaging with confidence.

Learning Objectives
  • Analyze the evidence on asymptomatic findings in diagnostic imaging to support ethical and informed decision-making
  • Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address and communicate missed or overlooked radiologic findings in a way that enhances interprofessional collaboration
  • Solve patient case scenarios involving signs of cervical myelopathy by identifying implications for performance and participation in meaningful daily activities

This is an audio-only course. Additional materials are available for download within the course. To receive continuing education credit, complete the course and the accompanying quiz.

Meet your instructors

A person in a dark polo shirt smiles against a wavy white background.

Phil Plisky

Dr. Phil Plisky is a professor in the University of Evansville’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Health Professions Education programs. He is the host of the Medbridge Rehab and Performance Lab podcast and founder of the Coaches Club at

Read full bio

Lance Mabry

Start here: Dr. Lance Mabry is an Assistant Professor at High Point University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program where he teaches diagnostic imaging and primary care. He received his doctorate in physical therapy from U.S. Army-Baylor University and is a board certified orthopaedic specialist. He completed fellowship…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider?

1. Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider?

Dr. Lance Mabry joins host Phil Plisky to explore how rehab professionals can confidently lead imaging decisions through evidence-based communication, clinical reasoning, and ethical practice.

More courses in this series

How Can We Create Effective Return-to-Running Protocols?

How Can We Create Effective Return-to-Running Protocols?

Todd Arnold and Phil Plisky

Disconnected Expectations: How Do You Manage ACL Return-to-Sport Timelines?

Disconnected Expectations: How Do You Manage ACL Return-to-Sport Timelines?

Kyle Matsel and Phil Plisky

How Do We Untangle the Evidence Around Shoulder Rehabilitation and Surgery?

How Do We Untangle the Evidence Around Shoulder Rehabilitation and Surgery?

Lenny Macrina and Phil Plisky

Unseen Forces: Do Contextual Factors Matter to Outcomes?

Unseen Forces: Do Contextual Factors Matter to Outcomes?

Elizabeth Lane and Phil Plisky

To Cut or Not to Cut: Where Do We Stand With Surgery and MSK Conditions?

To Cut or Not to Cut: Where Do We Stand With Surgery and MSK Conditions?

Phil Plisky and Alexis Wright

How Can Identifying Your Patient’s Innate Mobility Change Their Outcomes?

How Can Identifying Your Patient’s Innate Mobility Change Their Outcomes?

Jenna Gourlay and Phil Plisky

Does Everyone Need Pain Neuroscience Education?

Does Everyone Need Pain Neuroscience Education?

Adriaan Louw and Phil Plisky

Can Insights Into Manual Therapy Mechanisms Guide Clinical Practice?

Can Insights Into Manual Therapy Mechanisms Guide Clinical Practice?

Phil Plisky and Amy McDevitt

Do You Know the Top 5 Updates Orthopedic Rehab Providers Need to Know?

Do You Know the Top 5 Updates Orthopedic Rehab Providers Need to Know?

Phil Plisky and Eric Robertson

Are You Missing Out on the Latest Treatment for Overuse Injuries?

Are You Missing Out on the Latest Treatment for Overuse Injuries?

Phil Plisky and Katie Whetstone

Blood Flow Restriction: Is It a Game Changer for Rehab Professionals?

Blood Flow Restriction: Is It a Game Changer for Rehab Professionals?

Johnny Owens and Phil Plisky

How to Get Better Results With Patients Who Have More Mobility

How to Get Better Results With Patients Who Have More Mobility

Jenna Gourlay and Phil Plisky

Is Confidence the Missing Link in Athletes’ Return to Play Post Injury?

Is Confidence the Missing Link in Athletes’ Return to Play Post Injury?

Clare Ardern and Phil Plisky

What is Evidence-Based in Cupping and Fascial Science?

What is Evidence-Based in Cupping and Fascial Science?

Christopher DaPrato and Phil Plisky

Lateral Elbow Pain: Are You Missing Key Factors?

Lateral Elbow Pain: Are You Missing Key Factors?

Phil Plisky and Ann Porretto-Loehrke

Is Avoiding Open Chain After ACLR Slowing Your Patient’s Progress?

Is Avoiding Open Chain After ACLR Slowing Your Patient’s Progress?

Phil Plisky and Lynn Snyder-Mackler

Quad Recovery at Risk: Can You Afford to Skip NMES and Strength Testing?

Quad Recovery at Risk: Can You Afford to Skip NMES and Strength Testing?

Phil Plisky and Lynn Snyder-Mackler

Hip Impingement: Is Rehabilitation the Best Route?

Hip Impingement: Is Rehabilitation the Best Route?

Phil Plisky and Benedict Nwachukwu

Creatine Myths, Protein Lies, and Stimulant Dangers: Fact or Fiction?

Creatine Myths, Protein Lies, and Stimulant Dangers: Fact or Fiction?

Roberta Anding, Leslie Bonci, and Phil Plisky

What’s the Smartest Path Back After Shoulder Injury? (Live Podcast Recording)

What’s the Smartest Path Back After Shoulder Injury? (Live Podcast Recording)

Lenny Macrina and Phil Plisky

Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider?

Imaging for Clinicians: When Should You Refer, Review, or Reconsider?

Phil Plisky and Lance Mabry

Cancellations and Exercise Noncompliance: Can RTM Help Us?

Cancellations and Exercise Noncompliance: Can RTM Help Us?

Anang Chokshi, Jon Ide-Don, and Phil Plisky