APTA Vision 2020 envisioned physical therapists as autonomous providers of musculoskeletal care and direct referral is now a reality. Screening for conditions not amenable to management by an autonomous practitioner or that requires consultation/referral to other providers is a key skill. This distance learning course is intended to complement entry-level education on medical screening by presenting a pragmatic approach to a review of symptoms and incorporating the latest evidence on yellow and red flags. Current evidence is presented where available. In addition to red flags, participants will learn how to use evidence-based questionnaires to aid screening for depression and fear-avoidance behaviors.

By the end of the course, a successful learner will be able to:

• Utilize a medical screening form to guide a review of systems across the life-span. 
• Recognize red flags for potentially serious conditions not amenable to treatment by an autonomous practitioner or that require referral to other medical providers. 
• Recognize potentially serious conditions that can mimic musculoskeletal conditions. 
• Recognize yellow flags: such as depression or fear avoidance and incorporate these findings into clinical decision making. 
• Communicate effectively with referring providers regarding signs/symptoms suggestive of non-musculoskeletal disorders or conditions potentially needing referral or consultation with medical providers. 
• Demonstrate clinical decision-making skills, including clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and reflective practice.