Direct Access
If you are seeking physical therapy services without physician referral you are still able to access one of our skilled providers. Under California law, you may receive direct physical therapy treatment services for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first. After aforementioned, a physical therapist may continue providing you with physical therapy treatment service only after receiving a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating that an in-person patient examination/evaluation was conducted by the physician, surgeon and/or podiatrist and the physical therapist’s plan of care was approved. You may also seek a referral to physical therapy at any time after starting your care with our team.
Direct Access Services FAQ’s:
Will I be able to attend physical therapy after my Direct Access expires?
Yes, with a physician, surgeon, or podiatrist signed and dated referral you may continue your current plan of care for PT services as agreed upon by your medical team.
Are there any situations in which I am not able to utilize Direct Access?
Yes, Medicare insurance and Workers' Compensation claims do not allow for treatment to begin or continue without active referral from a physician.
If my Direct Access expires, what should I do?
To continue receiving PT services, communicate with your physician/surgeon or podiatrist to obtain a referral to continue attending physical therapy.
If I begin my PT services under Direct Access and then obtain a doctor’s referral while receiving PT treatment, can I only attend 12 visits or 45 days of care?
Following obtainment of doctor referral, your plan of care will be adjusted to the agreed frequency and duration set by your medical team.
Can I come to PT under Direct Access for two different body parts?
Yes, for each separate evaluation of injury, one can attend 12 visits, or 45 days of care, prior to needing physician referral to continue with receiving skilled PT services.
If I signed a direct access in 2024, can I sign one again in 2025 if I have a new injury to the same body region?
Yes, Direct Access allows you to seek independent physical therapy services 1x/year for each body region. For example, if you had your evaluation on 1/1/24, you are eligible to sign a Direct Access on 1/1/25 for the same body region.
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