Take Command of Your Recovery: Direct Access – RPI
If you’re reading this, maybe you rolled your ankle, tweaked your back putting away boxes, or noticed a twinge in your leg chasing after the kiddos. This seemed to be a small injury but now that a few weeks have gone by the pain and limitations remain. You start thinking what are my next steps, do I call my doctor? Do I reach out to an orthopedist? But it wasn’t that bad, right? I feel like I just need to have it looked at by a trusted provider to get started and I’ll feel better. Can you do that, well with Direct Access, you can!
What is Direct Access?
Direct Access is the process in which a prospective patient can seek out a physical therapist (PT) without needing a referral from a doctor (MD, orthopedic, primary care).
How Does it Work?
Direct Access varies based on the state in which the physical therapy is being provided. Some states have no restrictions, meaning a patient can seek out physical therapy without referral without any limitations whatsoever. However, in the state of Texas, Direct Access currently has provisional limitations. These restrictions are broken down into two subcategories. Direct Access for 10 days, and Direct Access for 15 days.
- 10 Days – to be provided to patients seeking direct access with a physical therapist who has been practicing for over one year and has liability insurance
- 15 Days – to be provided to patients seeking direct access with all the terms listed above as well as the practitioner (PT) has board certification, has completed a fellowship/residency program, and has received their doctorate degree
Why Choose Direct Access for Physical Therapy?
- Quicker Treatment
Instead of waiting to see a prospective doctor, you can schedule an appointment to see a physical therapist and begin treatment at your initial evaluation. Recent research suggests an average wait time for a doctor’s appointment and orthopedic surgeon can be anywhere from 16 (for orthopedists) to 26 (for physicians), whereas the average wait time for a physical therapist can be anywhere from 24-48 hours to not only be seen but start treatment.2 A shorter wait is a faster start in getting back to the activities you love and enjoy!
- Reduced Cost
While there’s no better investment than your health, investing in your health can be expensive, daunting, and stressful. Last year researchers found the average medical expense per person was around $7,151.3 Direct access allows patients to save money long term, roughly $1,543 more than those that seek out physical therapy post medical referral.4 That’s roughly 20% in savings per year with seeking out direct access alone!
- Less Hassle
Paperwork, onboarding, verifying insurance, scheduling an appointment, and getting to a medical office all take time. With direct access, all that is required is a patient intake, physical therapy without referral disclosure form, and a motivated patient ready to get started on their road to recovery!
How Can I Get Started?
Think Direct Access Physical Therapy is right for you? Awesome! Feel free to schedule your initial evaluation via the link here – https://reyesperformanceinstitute.com/contact/ – or feel free to call our office line (512.593.1209)
Is Direct Access Available Everywhere?
While many states have direct access laws, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific state’s regulations to ensure it’s an option for you (see the Texas restrictions listed above).
Ready to take the first step toward pain relief and recovery?
Reach out today and start your journey to better health with direct access to physical therapy through Reyes Performance Institute!
References
- American Physical Therapy Association. Levels of Patient Access to Physical Therapist Services in the US. Revised 9/23/21. https://www.apta.org/contentassets/4daf765978464a948505c2f115c90f55/direct-access-by-state-map.pdf
- Merritt Hawkins. AMN Healthcare. 2022 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times and Medicare and Medicaid Acceptance Rates. https://www.wsha.org/wp-content/uploads/mha2022waittimesurveyfinal.pdf
- Bell D, Clarkson J, Gaal M, Liner D, Man A, Naugle A. 2024 Milliman Medial Report. Milliman Research Report. May 2024. https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/millimaninc5660-milliman6442-prod27d5-0001/media/Milliman/PDFs/2024-Articles/5-20-24_MMI-Milliman-Medical-Index_2024.pdf
- Hon S, Ritter R, Allen DD. Cost-effectiveness and outcomes of direct access to physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders compared to physician-first access in the united states: systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 2021;101(1):pzaa201.