Our Clients Ask: Do I Need a Referral for Physical Therapy?
One of the questions we hear most often is, “Do I need a referral for physical therapy?” or “Do you accept direct access patients?” It’s no wonder this is a common question with so many different insurance companies, coverage plans, and even different regulations from state to state making things so confusing!
We understand that the medical system can feel like a maze at times, so we’re happy to clarify the issue for you!
There are several factors that determine whether you are required to obtain a referral or prescription from your primary care physician, including state law and individual insurance policies.
One of the main things that is a determining factor is whether you are in a “direct access” state.
Direct Access to Physical Therapy
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have approved direct access to physical therapists, meaning you do not need to go to a doctor first when you are seeking physical therapy.
however, some states have placed restrictions on how long treatment can be given without a doctor’s input (usually 30 days), or may limit specific treatments, or have other rules about treatment plans.
Fortunately for residents of Arizona, we are one of the 20 states with unrestricted direct access laws, so you can schedule an appointment at any time.
Pro Tip: Some insurance policies can require a referral, so be sure to check your health care coverage.
What If It Turns Out I Really Need a Doctor?
Physical therapists are trained to have a very good understanding of the limits of their treatment methods.
If you have an illness or injury that needs to be treated by a doctor, they will not treat you, but will send you to the right person to get you the help you need.
The advantage of being checked out this way is that there is no delay in being able to start your physical therapy and you can begin to strengthen and heal so that you have full mobility and no unnecessary pain.
Physical therapists develop treatment plans for musculoskeletal issues, which means problems relating to the muscles and bones and the tissue that connects them, such as tendons and ligaments, plus things like bursae, which help prevent friction in your joints.
Many physical therapists now obtain doctorate degrees so they are able to more fully diagnose conditions, but all of them are taught to recognize the signs of fractures and diseases that could be causing problems.
Some conditions come on suddenly, but many times a physical therapy patient has discomfort that slowly gets worse and becomes painful.
Sometimes these problems are simply the result of inactivity or aging and a doctor will only tell you that there is nothing wrong, so in that case, you save the money you would have to spend on a copay by coming to us first.
Does It Matter When I Start?
Yes! Starting physical therapy as soon as possible will shorten the amount of treatment time and can even improve the end result.
If you have been in an accident, your body is actively repairing itself, and if you delay therapy, you may not heal up as well as possible. Or if you have problems from poor posture, you can replace bad habits with good ones before any damage is done.
Still thinking, “Do I need a referral for physical therapy?” Take our free injury assessment to get started, with out without a referral for physical therapy and our care staff will walk you through the next steps.
STI Rehab Centers have highly trained specialists to make sure you get the best treatment possible, and eleven locations to make it easy to get to us.
