Get the care you need now!
You have control over your health! You know your body better than anyone else. When you’re in pain or have been injured and feel that you could benefit from physical therapy, you should be able to decide where and how to seek treatment, and direct access allows you to do just that.
About Direct Access
Physical therapy is a safe and affordable way to treat hundreds of different diagnoses, and a referral or prescription is not required to begin treatment – this is called direct access. All 50 states and the District of Columbia allow patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs without needing a physician’s prescription or referral. A significant advantage to direct access is that patients see a decrease in their out-of-pocket costs by skipping a visit to their general practitioner for a referral. It also means that treatment can get underway faster. Direct access empowers you to take control of your health by choosing the best approach to your needs.
Benefits of Direct Access
Cost-Effective: By coming to physical therapy first, you avoid having to pay for a visit to the doctor – which can save you, your insurance company, and the healthcare system money. Physical therapy can often reduce the need for alternative treatment methods such as medication, injections, and imaging.
Quicker Results: When you’re in pain, you want relief fast, but sometimes it can take weeks to see the doctor. In the meantime, you may begin taking over-the-counter medications or go to the emergency room or urgent care for pain relief. With direct access to physical therapy, you’ll spend less time and effort scheduling a physician’s visit and begin feeling better faster.
Higher Patient Satisfaction: Numerous studies have shown that direct-access patients report higher satisfaction levels than those with a referral. The ability to begin physical therapy immediately leads to quicker recovery – this plays a key role in improved satisfaction.