Physical therapy is a safe and affordable way to treat various diagnoses, and a referral or prescription is not required to begin treatment—this is called Direct Access which is currently allowed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

A major advantage to direct access is that patients decrease out-of-pocket costs by avoiding additional visits to see their general practitioner for a referral. Thus, your treatment may begin sooner and empowers you as the patient to take control of your health by choosing an approach that best suits your needs.

The prior referral mandate caused delays for people benefitting from physical therapy treatment which often resulted in higher healthcare costs, lower functional outcomes and frustration for patients who wanted to get in sooner. Without the referral mandate, patients can begin treatment faster.

Get the care you need now!

In California, a physical therapist can treat direct access patients when:

  • The therapist believes the care falls within their scope of practice. If treatment falls outside our scope, or if the patient is not improving, the therapist must refer the patient to the appropriate healthcare provider.

  • After receiving written consent, the therapist has notified the patient’s doctor that the patient is receiving their care.

  • Therapy does not extend beyond 45 calendar days or 12 visits—whichever comes first—without a signed and dated plan of care approved by the patient’s physician, surgeon or podiatrist. Additionally, the patient’s aforementioned provider must have examined the patient in person and performed any necessary tests.

* For qualifying insurances only some exclusions apply—please call our office or consult your insurance provider to confirm you qualify for direct access

Benefits of Direct Access

Cost-Effective

Quicker Results

Higher Patient Satisfaction

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, Direct Access to your Physical Therapist does not cost more.

  • Patients with Medicare who visit our clinic without a referral can be seen for an initial evaluation. If our physical therapists determine physical therapy is a suitable solution for you, the treatment plan is sent to your healthcare provider for a signature. After received a signed plan of care, physical therapy may continue.

  • In most cases, yes. However, it depends on your insurance policy and advised to check with your insurance provider to determine if physical therapy treatment is covered under your healthcare plan. If you have any questions, our office coordinators will be happy to assist you.

  • Yes. As part of your healthcare team, we maintain an open line of communication with whomever you need us to with your written consent.