What is Direct Access?
Direct access allows patients to pursue a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without having to acquire a referral from a physician.
The direct access model leads to reduced wait times, increased patient satisfaction, quicker recovery, and most importantly, improved patient outcomes. For a while, Mississippi was one of three states that did not have this freedom. Nevertheless, with years of work from countless members of the profession, this limitation was lifted through a bill that was signed in 2024 by Governor Tate Reeves.
Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding direct access. According to the Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy, as of July 1, 2024, physical therapists can now evaluate and treat patients that fit under the following categories:
Children with a diagnosed developmental disorder pursuant of the patient’s plan of care
Individuals that are part of a home health care agency pursuant of the patient’s plan of care
Patients in nursing homes pursuant of the patient’s plan of care
Related to conditioning or to providing education or activities in a wellness setting for the purpose of injury prevention, reduction of stress, or promotion of fitness
Physical therapists are required to refer to an appropriate health care provider if the patient does not show measurable or functional improvement in 30 calendar days.
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what are the benefits?
Time Saved
Because patients get to bypass the step of getting a doctor’s referral, they are able to be seen and begin their healing process sooner without unnecessary delay. In situations that fit the criteria of the state’s specific rules and regulations and if physical therapy is the obvious answer to a patient’s chief complaint, one does not have to make time for a doctor’s visit only for the pursuit of a physical therapy referral.
Quicker Recovery and Long Lasting Results
Because of the time saved with quicker access to care, the patient’s likelihood of needing further medical intervention reduces. Seeking a conservative treatment approach first can prevent potential further health issues that can be caused by surgical procedures or pharmaceutical side effects. Physical therapy plans of care are also designed specific to the individual that promotes strength, mobility, proper body mechanics, and improved functional movement with encouragement of application into the patient’s daily life. This lifestyle change approach will lead to higher longevity and improved quality of life.
Cost Efficient
Not only are patients saving time, but they’re also saving money! A study done by the American Physical Therapy Association found that individuals that directly access physical therapy without a doctor’s referral save an average of 30% of their overall treatment costs. The nature of this model seeks to lower medical healthcare visits, treatment time, and unnecessary tests, imaging, and medical trials. The need for further surgical and/or pharmaceutical intervention is reduced when seen and cared for quickly, therefore, leading to the overall cost of treatment being less.
Offers More Elevated and Personalized Health Care Experience
In most (if not all) physical therapy clinics, patients will have 45 minutes to an hour of one-on-one time with the therapists on initial evaluation. This will allow the physical therapists to have the time to listen to the patient’s story, evaluate and screen for musculoskeletal deficits, and create an individualized treatment plan. Physical therapists are trained to screen and test patients in a safe manner and will refer to an appropriate healthcare provider if findings are outside of the scope of practice.
Is Direct Access Covered by Insurance?
Most insurances cover direct access to physical therapy, but some do have requirements prior to initial evaluation. When scheduling the first visit, the clinic will have the patient’s insurance verified, but reviewing insurance coverage is highly encouraged before seeking treatment in order to know exactly what would be required and expected.
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What to Expect on Initial Evaluation
An initial evaluation with direct access is exactly like an initial evaluation with a doctor’s referral. The patient will fill out a subjective questionnaire that addresses chief complaints and symptoms. The physical therapist will then go through a screening process that involves musculoskeletal testing in order to find specific deficits and limitations. The physical therapist will then begin a treatment program for the patient with a home exercise program and explain what the plan of care will look like in the following visits. The only documents needed on initial evaluation are the patient’s driver’s license and insurance cards.
How to Get started today
If you are experiencing pain or dysfunction and fit the criteria under the state’s rules and regulations, contact a physical therapy clinic near you to be scheduled for an initial evaluation. Make sure to check with your insurance carrier regarding your physical therapy coverage, and get ready to begin your healing journey without unnecessary delay!
If you have been suffering from pain or dysfunction, do not hesitate to contact Performance Therapy today. We will get to the root of your issue and determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
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