AF Form 1535: Physical Therapy Consultation Download – AF Form 1535: Physical Therapy Consultation (NOT LRA) is an official U.S. Air Force form used in military medical facilities to request and document physical therapy consultations for active duty personnel, dependents, and other eligible beneficiaries.
This 2-page form, dated January 1, 1982 (EF-V2), facilitates communication between referring providers and physical therapy departments within Air Force Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs). It is explicitly marked as “NOT LRA” (Not Locally Reproducible Authorized), meaning units must obtain it through official Air Force e-Publishing channels rather than printing copies locally without authorization.
What Is AF Form 1535 Used For?
AF Form 1535 serves as a standardized physical therapy consultation request. Providers use it to refer patients for evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, pain management, mobility issues, and other conditions requiring physical therapy intervention.
It supports both routine and emergency consultations and includes fields for provisional diagnosis, patient status (inpatient/outpatient), and place of consultation (bedside or department). A continuation sheet (often AF Form 1536) allows additional documentation when needed.
The form helps ensure proper documentation in the patient’s medical record, aligning with Department of Defense health record policies. It is listed in official DoD guidance on forms used for inpatient and outpatient care.
Key Sections of AF Form 1535
The form is structured for efficient completion by referring providers and physical therapists:
- Requesting Activity (“FROM”): Identifies the referring clinic or provider.
- Provisional Diagnosis / Reason for Request (Complaints/Findings): Space to document the suspected condition and specific reasons for the PT referral.
- Signature of Provider: Required authorization from the referring medical provider.
- Patient Identification: Standard fields for name, rank/grade, SSN or DoD ID, date of birth, and other identifiers.
- Patient Status and Place of Consultation: Checkboxes or selections for IN (inpatient), OUT (outpatient), BEDSIDE, or DEPT (department).
- Physical Therapy Report Section:
- Date of consultation.
- Emergency or Routine designation.
- Remarks (For P.T. Use Only) — where therapists document findings, assessment, and recommendations.
- Continuation Page: Additional space for detailed notes, treatment plans, or progress.
The form includes dedicated areas for physical therapy staff to record complaints/findings, schedule follow-ups, and note patient status.
Who Uses AF Form 1535?
- Referring Providers: Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other credentialed providers in Air Force clinics or hospitals.
- Physical Therapy Departments: AFSC 4J0X2 physical therapy technicians and therapists use the form to document evaluations, treatments, and recommendations.
- Patients: Primarily active duty Air Force members, but also family members and other TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries receiving care in military facilities.
It is commonly used for conditions related to training injuries, deployment-related issues, sports injuries, post-operative care, and chronic pain management common in military populations.
How to Obtain and Download AF Form 1535?
The official, fillable version is available through the Air Force e-Publishing website:
→ Direct Download Link: AF Form 1535 PDF
Always use the most current version from the official source to ensure compliance with Air Force instructions. Do not use third-party reproductions for official medical records, as the form is designated NOT LRA.
For related forms:
- AF Form 1536 — Physical Therapy Consultation Continuation Sheet.
- Other medical record forms listed in DHA-PM 6025.02 (DoD Health Record guidance).
Tips for Completing AF Form 1535
- Provide clear, concise provisional diagnosis and specific complaints/findings to help physical therapy staff prioritize and prepare.
- Indicate urgency (Emergency vs. Routine) accurately.
- Ensure patient identification is complete to avoid delays in scheduling.
- Providers must sign and date the request.
- Physical therapy staff should document objective findings, treatment plans, and any follow-up recommendations in the designated sections.
Proper completion supports continuity of care, accurate medical record-keeping, and compliance with DoD and Air Force health information management policies.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 1535 Matters
Accurate consultation requests improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely physical therapy intervention. In the military environment, this can mean faster return to duty, reduced downtime, and better management of injuries that could otherwise impact mission readiness.
If you are a service member, dependent, or provider needing this form, download it directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site linked above. For questions about physical therapy services at your base, contact your local Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Physical Therapy Department.
Official Source: Air Force e-Publishing (e-Publishing.af.mil). Always verify the latest version on the .mil domain, as forms can be updated.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official sources as of 2026. Consult your local medical facility or chain of command for specific guidance on form usage and medical procedures.