Direct Access at the State Level

In many jurisdictions, the practice of physical therapy is contingent upon the prescription or referral of a physician. This requirement does not recognize the professional training and expertise of the licensed physical therapist, nor does it serve the needs of those patients who require physical therapy but must first be seen by a physician.

Information

• Direct Access to Physical Therapy Services: Overview
• Direct Access Laws by State (.pdf)
• FAQ: Direct Access at the State Level
• Direct Access at the Federal Level
• Direct Access in Practice
• Direct Access Map (.pdf)

  This map shows those states that have direct access to evaluation, as well as to some form of intervention and treatment. Please note that direct access laws vary from state to state from unrestricted direct access, to direct access with time or visit provisions, to limited direct access. Please review the "Direct Access Laws by State (.pdf)," listed above to see what type of provisions or limits may apply.

Articles

• Direct Access: Where's the Beef? The Challenge From Chiropractors
• Direct Access: Legitimate Beef or Acts of Desperation? The Challenge From Orthopaedic Surgeons

Resources

• Advocacy Brochure: Direct Access: Your Constituents Deserve It (.pdf)
• Consumer Brochure: Choosing Your Physical Therapist (.pdf)

Studies in Support of Direct Access

• Direct Access to PT Services

  Resource listing for various studies (RefShare)

• Health Services Research

  A comparison of health care use for physician-referred and self-referred episodes of outpatient physical therapy

• Mitchell Study

  A comparison of resource use and cost in direct access versus physician referral episodes of physical therapy

• Last Updated: 9/13/2012
• Contact: advocacy@apta.org
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