Have you heard of Direct Access?

You don’t have to live your life in pain waiting on your physician’s referral!

In 2013, the governor of California passed a bill stating that CLIENTS CAN RECEIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT WITHOUT A PHYSICIAN’S PRESCRIPTION OR REFERRAL.

However, there are some rules regarding when a physical therapist has to get a physician involved including:

• PT must refer the patient to their physician if, at any time, the patient has signs or symptoms of a condition that requires treatment beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist

• Patient is not progressing toward documented treatment goals as demonstrated by objective, measurable, or functional improvement.

• The physical therapist shall not continue treating the patient beyond 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, without receiving, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care from the patient’s physician, surgeon, or podiatrist indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care.

• Must provide notice to the patient, orally and in writing, in at least 14-point type and signed by the patient indicating they are receiving direct physical therapy treatment services and may continue to receive direct physical therapy treatment services for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, after which time a physical therapist may continue providing you with physical therapy treatment services only after receiving, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care and that an in-person patient examination and evaluation was conducted by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist.

DIRECT ACCESS IS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN RECEIVE THERAPY WITHOUT THE RESTRICTION OF HAVING FIRST CONSULT WITH YOUR MD! SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? COME IN THE HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY AND YOGA HEALING TODAY!

*All information directly from the American Physical Therapy Association*