Direct Access

Get the care you need now!

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.

Currently, all 50 states and the District of Columbia allow patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs without the need for a physician prescription or referral. A major 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 approach that best suits 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. Oftentimes physical therapy can also reduce the need for alternative treatment methods such as medication, injections, and imaging.

Quicker Results: When you’re in pain you want to get 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 on 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, as opposed to those who had a referral. Even though patients may have received identical treatment, the ability to begin physical therapy right away led to quicker recovery times – this plays a key role in higher satisfaction levels.

You have control over your own 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.

Try physical therapy first 

We offer complimentary injury screenings* at many of our locations. If youre in pain or suffering from an injury, dont wait to schedule your visit. 

Direct access laws vary by state. Click here to see the most up-to-date information. LINK: https://getpt.org/physical-therapy-direct-access-laws-state/ 

 

*Beneficiaries of federal health care programs are not eligible to participate in free screenings. 

Videos about Direct Access

Frequently Asked Questions