As recently as 2015, not all states allowed patients direct access to physical therapists without a referral from a primary care provider, and the convenience with which you might make an appointment today is the result of long-sought change by advocacy groups and physical therapy providers. However, not all patients who can benefit from direct physical therapy care experience a seamless process, which means there is still progress to make in ensuring quality, accessible care for people with many different types of conditions.
In the years since states removed significant barriers to physical therapy access, countless lives have changed for the better as people got the evidence-based care they needed. We’re proud to carry the responsibility of easy access to physical therapy to our community every day.
What is direct access physical therapy?
Direct access refers to a person’s ability to make an appointment, have an evaluation, and receive treatment from a physical therapist without the need for a doctor’s referral or additional provisions. It’s similar to receiving care without using health insurance, also called self-pay, that can lower the barrier further to those who need care but don’t have insurance.
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?
In most cases, no, you are free to make an appointment with a physical therapist near you for nearly any concern you may have they can address. The evaluating physical therapist will make recommendations for treatment, which in some cases may be better supported by other medical interventions that require a primary care provider’s referral or additional testing and evaluation.
Certain health insurance policies in certain locations may interfere with your ability to freely access the treatment or prescription you’re looking for. In these cases, your provider may have solutions that extend beyond the coverage of your health plan that you might pay out of pocket for, or alternate treatments may be provided.
Benefits of direct access to physical therapy
The sustained effort over the course of decades of physical therapy advocacy groups provided Americans much easier access to care for pain, injuries, and many other conditions that affect their overall health and lifestyle. The benefits of direct access physical therapy include:
- Rapid diagnosis and treatment (same-day or next-day appointments for evaluations are common)
- Increased access to (and supply of) specialists
- Decreased costs for some treatments
- Consistent treatment
- Preventative care
- Holistic approach
Physical therapists and our related providers focus solely on patients, allowing them to provide personalized recommendations, care that considers all aspects of their health and lifestyle, and plans for preventing a future injury or worsening condition.
What to expect from physical therapy without a referral
Whether you schedule a physical therapy appointment through your primary care provider, a surgeon, or do it yourself, the process and experience is consistent. You’ll have some paperwork to fill out, including insurance information if you want to use it, and then the evaluation and treatment can begin. We tailor care to your needs and preferences whenever possible, ensuring you have success in your recovery both in the short-term and long run.
We worked hard in years gone by so you don’t have to today. Take advantage of direct access to physical therapeutic care by calling a nearby clinic or requesting an appointment online today.
