(032) Hidden Providers, Hidden Pain: Online Directory Inaccuracy as a Barrier to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Access

Abstract Introduction Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a guideline-recommended, first line intervention for pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. Both clinicians and patients frequently rely on online directories such as PelvicRehab.com (PR.com), to locate PFPT providers. While inaccuracies in physician directories are well documented, the accuracy of PFPT-specific directories has not been systematically evaluated. Moreover, because many PFPT practices operate outside insurance networks, publicly available directories like PR.com serve as a crucial, yet unvalidated, resource for patients and referring clinicians. Objective We aimed to assess the accuracy of PR.com within New York City (NYC) and develop a reproducible framework for auditing public healthcare directories. Methods All NYC PFPT listings were extracted from PR.com, and verified using a standardized three-step protocol: (1) cross-reference with Google Maps data, (2) confirmation via practice websites, and (3) direct contact to confirm PFPT services and availability. Listings were classified as accurate, inaccurate, or excluded. Exclusion criteria included non-PT credentials, lack of PFPT services, pediatric- or male-only practices, and providers no longer practicing in NYC. Additional PFPT providers not listed on PR.com were identified through systematic Google Maps searches conducted for each borough using a list of standardized search terms (eg, “pelvic floor physical therapy”). Additional PFPTs identified through group practice websites were also included. All newly identified providers underwent the same verification process and manual review. Descriptive statistics were used to assess directory accuracy and overall provider representation. Results Of the 168 original PR.com listings, 95 were excluded. Common reasons for exclusion were due to lack of PT credentials (n = 54), not practicing in NYC (n = 18), and male-only (n = 11) or child-only focus (n = 3). Among remaining listings, 17 (10.1%) were inaccurate due to outdated location or practice information. 131 additional PFPT providers were identified outside of PR.com, yielding a corrected total of 207 active providers across NYC, representing a 183.7 % increase over the number of accurate PR.com listings. The majority of additional providers worked in group practices (n = 126). Nearly all (99.5%) had verifiable websites, though 12 (5.8%) could not be contacted directly; however, these listings were still deemed valid based on complete online provider and service information. Conclusions The PR.com directory markedly underrepresented the number of active PFPT providers in NYC. Directory inaccuracies may delay referrals, misdirect patients, and exacerbate barriers to care, especially for individuals experiencing pelvic pain and dysfunction who already experience significant barriers to treatment. The verification framework presented here provides a reproducible framework for auditing and improving the accuracy of healthcare provider directories, ultimately supporting more equitable and efficient access to PFPT services. Disclosure No.