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Direct access to PT services is a reality across America, but not without challenges.
Every state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands has lifted all or some of the referral requirements or order provisions for physical therapist evaluation and treatment, meaning that PTs can provide evaluation and treatment services without the need for an order or referral from any other health care professional in accordance with state law.
But there are more gains to be made. Your advocacy support is needed as we continue to fight for more effective direct access provisions at the state and federal levels. And while Medicare also allows direct access, providers must carefully follow rules and regulations.
Recommended Content
May 3, 2020 / Article
Achieving direct access has been a major initiative for APTA and its chapters. While it has been achieved in some form across the country, APTA continues to advocate for unrestricted direct access everywhere. Physical therapists should take advantage of the
May 4, 2020 / Article
Medicare beneficiaries can go directly to physical therapists without a referral or visit to a physician.
Apr 24, 2020
More needs to be done to improve direct access in states across the country.
Additional Direct Access in Practice Content
Nov 8, 2019 / Review
Does unrestricted direct access to a physical therapist (PT) make a difference compared with "provisional" direct access systems?
Aug 9, 2019 / Article
As more PTs transition into direct access roles, it seems prudent to consider how additional resources common to other first-contact providers might impact patient care. This study examines the appropriateness of diagnostic imaging studies referred by civilian physical therapists at an academic medical center.
Aug 15, 2018 / Article
Julie Sexton, PT, and Michelle Ramirez, PT, DPT, discuss their health system’s process for translating evidence into practice and expanding care through direct access.
May 24, 2018 / Review
A new study finds additional benefits to receiving physical therapy for LBP as a first-line approach.
Mar 19, 2018 / Article
Kenneth Harwood, PT, PhD, discusses research that studies whether unrestricted direct access to physical therapist services lowers utilization and health care costs for people with low back pain.
Nov 10, 2017 / Review
Patients via direct access had significantly lower medical costs—an average of $1,543 less per patient.
Oct 20, 2017 / News
Most of the use is occurring in private and hospital-based outpatient clinics and group practices.
Latest Articles
View more articlesFeb 6, 2020