Physiotherapy diagnostic assessment (BDK): report template and structure
The physiotherapy diagnostic assessment (BDK): mandatory framework, approach, report structure, and billing. Template to download.
Countries covered : France
The BDK is the founding act of physiotherapy care: it establishes the physiotherapy diagnosis, sets objectives, and guides treatment. Mandatory, sent to the prescriber, and billed, it is one of the most important documents of the profession.
This page details the framework, the approach, the structure of the report, and the billing, with a template to download.
The framework to know
The approach
- Clinical examination. History, observation, tests: impairments (pain, mobility, strength...) and functional disabilities.
- Physiotherapy diagnosis. The link between observed impairments and activity limitations.
- Care objectives. Short and medium-term, in agreement with the patient.
- Choice of procedures and techniques. The most appropriate rehabilitation modalities.
- Treatment plan. Number and frequency of sessions, planned re-evaluations.
The structure of a BDK report
- Identification and prescription. Patient, prescriber, date, reason.
- History and background. Medical history, context, complaint, functional impact.
- Clinical examination. Impairments (pain, range of motion, strength, skin/trophic status...) and disabilities.
- Physiotherapy diagnosis. The link between impairments and activity limitations.
- Care objectives. Prioritised, measurable, short and medium-term.
- Treatment plan. Selected techniques, number and frequency of sessions, re-evaluation criteria.
- Conclusion and transmission. Summary and sending to the prescribing physician.
BDK template to download
Based on the structure above, ready to fill out and adapt to your practice. Access the PDF by entering your email:
Billing and rebilling
The BDK is a coded procedure in AMK, depending on the type of treatment, and is rebilled at regular intervals throughout the care process. Coefficients, billing unit values, and rebilling rules (as well as errors that lead to rejections or overpayments) are detailed on our page dedicated to BDK billing.
Save time on writing
Between the examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan, the BDK is time-consuming. Start with a fixed template, standardise your diagnosis and objective formulations, and dictate your observations right after the examination.
This is exactly what Delta does: you capture your observations through live note-taking or post-session dictation, and the tool generates a structured BDK based on your template, with a longitudinal patient memory that reuses the patient history from one assessment to another (useful for intermediate assessments). HDS hosting, GDPR compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BDK mandatory?
Yes. It has been mandatory since 1996 (Decree No. 96-879 of October 8, 1996), as part of the medical prescription.
What does a BDK contain?
The initial assessment of impairments and functional disabilities, the physiotherapy diagnosis, care objectives, and the choice of procedures and techniques.
How is a BDK coded?
The BDK is coded in AMK, depending on the type of treatment. The coefficients and the billing unit value are detailed on our page dedicated to BDK billing.
Who is the BDK sent to?
To the prescribing physician: it is a care coordination document.
When should a BDK be redone?
An intermediate assessment is rebilled at regular intervals during the course of care. The precise rebilling rules can be found on our page dedicated to BDK billing.
Cut the time spent on your reports in half
Delta generates your physiotherapy diagnostic assessments from your live observations or dictation.
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