Final answer:
An ER doctor may require a physical consult for specialized issues, like muscle/joint injuries or neurological symptoms, which could require further evaluation by a physical therapist, neurologist, or an orthopedist.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ER doctor may obtain a physical consult when they encounter a patient with symptoms that require specialized evaluation or management that falls beyond their general expertise. This could include situations where a patient presents with muscle or joint injuries potentially needing assessment by a physical therapist (PT), or if a patient has neurological symptoms like seizures or sensory deficits, which might require the expertise of a neurologist.
For instance, if a patient arrives in the ER displaying symptoms of a stroke, such as numbness or a 'pins and needles' feeling accompanied with trouble feeling touch, the ER doctor might first perform a quick physical examination and then decide to pursue a CT scan or consult with a neurologist for further diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, if a patient has a complex musculoskeletal injury, the ER doctor could refer them to an orthopedist with a subspecialty in sports medicine for appropriate care.