Maybe you’ve tweaked your back from a make-shift workspace, thinking this set-up will only be temporary – but it has been weeks. Maybe you’ve pushed yourself a little too hard preparing for what was supposed to be your first half-marathon and that ache in your knee won’t go away, even after a couple days off. Maybe you simply took a funny step off the curb on your nightly walk and are feeling a little twinge in your ankle.
Sometimes, when you’re suffering from an ache, pain, or injury, you have a pretty good idea what you’re dealing with and might be able to pinpoint the cause of it. That’s not always the case, but when it is, wouldn’t you rather get right to your physical therapist to begin treatment?
One thing we can leave in the pre-COVID past is the many hoops that you needed to jump through before getting started. The first stop was your primary care physician, who often refers you to an orthopedic specialist, who would then write you a prescription for physical therapy. That process alone took several weeks and a few insurance co-pays. The way we access healthcare and doctors has changed, and we are facing a new reality—for the better!
COVID-19 has changed the way we live. The way we go to the store or see our doctor has been streamlined by cutting out a few steps and most importantly, saving a few dollars! Heading directly to your physical therapist is the new normal and it’s called direct access.
What Exactly is Direct Access?
No smoke and mirrors here – it’s just what it sounds like! Direct access is the ability to directly access your physical therapist without a physician referral or prescription.
How Does it Work?
Direct access is regulated at the state level. Some form of direct access exists in every state, though the specific laws vary. Some states have no rules, while others have limits on the number of visits or the time period for which patients can seek physical therapy before a doctor’s prescription becomes necessary. At the very least, though, every state allows a patient to receive an evaluation without a referral. If you’re interested in learning more about Direct Access Laws, we recommend visiting the American Physical Therapy Association’s site.
Your physical therapist’s goal is to ensure that each patient receives the highest quality of care available, that they’re able to access that care quickly, and that it’s the right care for them. Our patients are seen within one to two days of calling or requesting an appointment online, an upgrade from the average 24 days to see your primary care physician or orthopedic surgeon. And of course, if your condition is beyond what we can treat, we’ll immediately refer you to the appropriate physician or specialist.