No prescription for physical therapy? No problem.
The ability to see a physical therapist without a prescription or referral is called Direct Access. All fifty states and DC have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs.
How is this beneficial?
The advantage to direct access for patients is a decrease in the out-of- pocket expenses by skipping a visit to the general practitioner for a referral. Faster treatment for you the patient and to take control of your health care by allowing a choice that best suits your needs.
Virginia Direct Access Rules per American Physical Therapy Association: (www.vpta.org)
There is a 60 calendar day treatment period before a referral is necessary. If the episode of care is to continue the patient will require a referral. The Physical Therapist may evaluate and treat a patient for the same condition if 60 days have passed since the last direct access initial evaluation for the specific condition. No waiting is required for a new evaluation of a different condition.
The ability to see a physical therapist without a prescription or referral is called Direct Access. All fifty states and DC have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs.
How is this beneficial?
The advantage to direct access for patients is a decrease in the out-of- pocket expenses by skipping a visit to the general practitioner for a referral. Faster treatment for you the patient and to take control of your health care by allowing a choice that best suits your needs.
Virginia Direct Access Rules per American Physical Therapy Association: (www.vpta.org)
There is a 60 calendar day treatment period before a referral is necessary. If the episode of care is to continue the patient will require a referral. The Physical Therapist may evaluate and treat a patient for the same condition if 60 days have passed since the last direct access initial evaluation for the specific condition. No waiting is required for a new evaluation of a different condition.
