208 patients with musculoskeletal symptoms who were referred to consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon were randomized to receive either physiotherapist-led orthopaedic triage or traditional consultation. The purpose of this study was to determine if physiotherapist-led orthopaedic triage was associated with significantly improved patient-perceived quality of care, caregiver medical/technical competence, and patient satisfaction with care when compared to conventional discussion. Results demonstrated that patients in the triage group had significantly higher satisfaction with care and involvement in the decision-making process, as evidenced by higher care provider’s competence and identity-oriented approach scores on the quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaire.