Choose Physical Therapy First
Access to a physical therapist without a prescription or referral.
Patients today must take an active role in managing their own health care. To do this, you need to know about your options and your rights as a patient. Under state laws, Direct Access is an exclusive benefit that grants you the right to choose a physical therapist that best fits your needs without the need for a physician’s referral or prescription.
As the healthcare expert in musculoskeletal health, physical therapists remain your best choice for prevention, management and rehabilitation of your musculoskeletal system. At Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy, we are committed to working with you to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Choice of Provider:
If your primary care doctor or specialist recommends physical therapy for a condition you’re experiencing, you have the right to choose which physical therapist and/or physical therapy practice you would like to work with. While your doctor may recommend a specific PT practice, you can decline their suggestion and choose the PT practice that best meets your needs.
- Treatment Without Referral:
Direct access gives you the freedom to seek physical therapy treatment without a physician’s referral, providing you immediate care from a musculoskeletal expert to address an ache or nagging pain you may be experiencing. This also eliminates the need for appointments with other providers and your physical therapist can refer you to a specialist should they determine additional tests are needed to properly diagnose and treat your condition.
- Insurance Considerations:
Physical therapy is a covered benefit under insurance plans. Insurance coverage for your physical therapy benefits are plan-specific. Most insurance companies do not require a referral from your physician, but some do. As a courtesy to you, we are happy to verify your insurance benefit coverage, including the need for a referral or prescription.
Are you currently experiencing pain or discomfort?
Head straight for physical therapy!
Simply stated, the sooner an injury is treated, the quicker and often the better the recovery. Waiting for an appointment with a physician can impede the healing process because effective treatment is delayed. Injured muscles and joints get stiff and weak, and scar tissue can develop. More importantly, you are not able to do the activities you want to do.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy is trained to ask the right questions, explore all possible causes, offer a clinical diagnosis and let you know if a customized physical therapy treatment plan is right for you, or if you should seek additional insight from a specialist. In addition, pursuing physical therapy care for an injury through direct access can:
- Decrease the overall cost of care and save you money
- Offer immediate reduction in pain and improvement in movement
- Provide you with education and long-term self-management techniques
- Reduce the need for additional healthcare services and/or medications
Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to keep you active and moving and encourage you to choose physical therapy first. Find the answers to some common Direct Access questions here:
Don’t I need to see my primary care doctor for a referral?
Will my insurance cover physical therapy services under direct access?
Physical therapy under direct access is generally covered by most insurance plans. However, the rules of coverage can vary from one insurance plan to another. We are more than happy to verify your insurance benefits, including direct access coverage.
Do I have a choice of where I can go for physical therapy?
Who needs physical therapy?
Statistics and research have shown that 50% of Americans 18 and older will need physical therapy care each year for a musculoskeletal condition. As healthcare providers and experts on musculoskeletal health, we encourage everyone to make a commitment to their long-term physical health. Physical therapy remains your best choice for prevention, management and rehabilitation of your injury.
What does musculoskeletal mean?
Musculoskeletal is anything relating to bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, etc. in the body. Musculoskeletal pain can be acute (short lived) or chronic (long lived). Physical therapists are experts in the function and movement of the human body.
Will it cost me more to come to physical therapy directly?
You can actually save money by avoiding unnecessary co-pays, imaging costs, or costs associated with prescription medication. We make it convenient by doing all the behind-the-scenes work for you. We will call your insurance to see what they will pay for and what your cost will be, and we’ll even reach out to your doctor for you if necessary.
How can I know if my injury is something I can go to physical therapy for, versus my doctor?
A Doctor of Physical Therapy is trained to ask the right questions, explore all possible causes, offer a clinical diagnosis, and let you know if a customized physical therapy treatment plan is right for you, or if you should seek additional insight from a specialist.
How does it benefit me to come to physical therapy without seeing my doctor first?
The sooner you see a physical therapist, the quicker your recovery. Often, a doctor may not be able to schedule you quickly. Our door is always open to you and we can jump-start your recovery. Plus, you can save money by eliminating a doctor visit.
Will my physical therapist communicate with my doctor?
When you come to us directly, you can ask us to include your family physician or any other provider that is involved in your care. We are happy to send regular updates to the provider(s) of your choice.
What if what’s wrong with me can’t be treated by a physical therapist?
Physical therapists are trained to recognize symptoms that suggest you might have an underlying medical condition and we can refer you to a specialist if we suspect that.
What conditions can be treated with physical therapy?
Below are some of the more common conditions we treat:
- Neck and back pain
- Joint pain (shoulder, knee, hip, foot, ankle)
- Injuries due to trauma or fall
- Arthritic conditions
- Poor balance or weakness
- Post-surgical conditions
- Sports-related injuries
- Motor vehicle injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Muscle strains
- Overuse injuries
