This article will discuss what direct access is and how it is used for physical therapy services.
What Is Direct Access?
Direct access gives you the power to decide if you needphysical therapy.
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Sometimes direct access is called self-referral.
By having direct access, patients can see a physical therapist without needing a healthcare provider’s prescription first.
Benefits of Direct Access Physical Therapy
Health care is expensive.
Many conditions can be successfully evaluated and treated with no expensive medical tests.
Physical therapy is a low-cost, value-packed healthcare service.
Is Direct Access Safe?
Physical therapists lack the ability to order certaindiagnostic testsor prescribe medication to help manage pain.
To date, there is no research showing that self-referral to physical therapy puts patients at increased risk.
In those cases, the physical therapist immediately refers you to your physician or healthcare provider.
There is no evidence that self-referral to physical therapy puts patients at increased risk.
Self-referred patients also don’t spend more healthcare dollars during or after physical therapy visits.
Many states also have safety nets built into their practice acts.
Others allow a certain time frame or a specific number of physical therapy visits during an episode of care.
A visit to your local physical therapist is a safe place to start on the road to recovery.
Who Can Self-Refer to PT?
First, take a look at your health insurance policy.
The rules differ depending on what state you live in.
The level of access you have depends on your health insurance plan and the state where you live.
American Physical Therapy Association.Scope of practice.
American Physical Therapy Association.Direct access in practice.
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