Direct Access to Care

Everyone knows that you can walk into a Chiropractor’s office for treatment without being referred by a physician or other licensed health care professional, but did you know you also have this freedom when it comes to physical therapy? 

Thanks to legislation passed in 2005 (and initiated in the 1970’s), termed “Direct Access,” you do not need a physician’s prescription for the first thirty days of physical therapy services as long as you go to a “Direct Access-Licensed” physical therapist.  This is a right granted to better serve the public by allowing physical therapists to serve as an alternate route of entry into health care. 

Direct access to physical therapy services also saves money for the patient and for the insurance companies by eliminating unnecessary visits to physician’s offices when the purpose is solely to obtain a prescription.  It also benefits the public by allowing for more timely identification and treatment of health problems and it has been demonstrated to minimize the necessity of long term care.

The state of Pennsylvania is clearly on board with this, but are the health insurance companies going to pay for services not prescribed by a physician?  Most insurance companies will pay for these services.  It varies with each company, but a majority of them DO cover it.  The main exception is Medicare, but even they allow an initial physical therapy evaluation to be performed without a prescription.

I can not speak of other professions, but you can rest assured that there are a lot of rules and regulations that govern physical therapy direct access licensing.  In order to become licensed to treat without a physician’s prescription in PA, a physical therapist must hold a current license to practice physical therapy in PA, pass the national physical therapy examination and complete the appropriate education on evaluative procedures, practice the delivery of patient care for at least two years and maintain professional liability insurance in the minimum amount required of physicians.  Further, continuing education is mandated for renewal of the license every two years.

Like any other profession, there are overzealous and irresponsible providers.  So the increased freedom of choice for the public also means more work for the public.  It is important for you to do your homework and research the facilities and healthcare providers treating you, whether it is a physical therapist, chiropractor, physician or any other healthcare professional.  Their licenses should be displayed in their offices conspicuously and they should be able to answer any questions you may have on training, experience and education. There are numerous quality providers for every facet of health care so if you are not satisfied with the level of care you are receiving you should go elsewhere. 

I do believe this is a great achievement both for the field of physical therapy and for the people requiring physical therapy services.  I am proud to state that I am a physical therapist who maintains a direct access license and have successfully treated numerous patients who entered my office without a prescription.  I value the collaboration of other healthcare providers in the successful treatment of my patients and routinely refer my patients to seek treatment from them as appropriate. 

If you happen upon an injury, an illness, or other health related concern, feel free to set up an appointment with a direct access-licensed physical therapist near you right away!