What are the Direct Access Laws in Your State?

Since 2015, about 50 US states have been direct access states, meaning that patients all over the US can freely choose which physical therapist they want to work with. They can do this without necessarily obtaining an initial physician referral. However, there's just one stumbling block to this freedom. 

Each state has its own set of specific regulations that determine the terms of direct access. Furthermore, these laws are regularly updated and adjusted in line with each state's legal procedures. This limits the level of control physical therapists have in their respective states. 

Knowing this, we bring you this comprehensive analysis of the basics of direct access.

How Direct Access Works

With direct access, patients can easily access medical evaluation and treatment for various Physical therapy issues through self-referral instead of a doctor's referral. Provisions for physical therapy treatment and services are regulated by the state practice act of each US state. 

Generally, the practice act of each state provided that patients may only access physical therapy services with consent from a licensed medical practitioner. The practice act also outlines the type of professionals mandated to give such referral. 

They included podiatrists, nurses, dentists, and general healthcare practitioners. Seeing how limiting these laws were, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) successfully lobbied many states to amend the law and give patients the power to refer themselves to their preferred physical therapists. 

With the new provisions in place in each state, physical therapists have since attained the new status and recognition that licensed professionals can treat and manage musculoskeletal and other mobility issues in PT patients. Check out APTA's website to know if your state is among the 50 states that have adopted the new direct access laws.

Importance of Direct Access

Healthcare is not cheap. Each year, millions of dollars are spent in the healthcare sector, and still, there isn't sufficient data to show if patients are receiving better results. Laws that give patients the power to individually and directly access physical therapy services can reduce the amount of money spent on unnecessary tests and physical therapy referrals. 

Many disorders can be evaluated, diagnosed, and successfully treated without unnecessary procedures or additional expenses. Consulting a physical therapist directly enables the patient to receive immediate treatment and care with little to no risk of additional injury. Physical therapy is also a low-cost medical treatment which if accessed directly, can enable the patient to save on their medical bills.

How Reliable and Safe is Direct Access?

Critics of direct access to PT services argue that patients can be exposed to several risks if they refer themselves directly to physical therapists. The notion is that physical therapists' powers are limited as far as ordering diagnostic tests or administering prescription medicine is concerned. 

However, since the introduction of new direct access laws, no data is supporting this argument. Neither is a single report which confirms these fears. Furthermore, no recent statistics prove that self-referred patients spend more money on physical therapy services.

Even more beneficial is the fact that physical therapists are qualified professionals who are trained to recognize possible red flags that may indicate a more complex medical situation needing further medical intervention. In such situations, a referral back to the physician may be necessary and should be done immediately. 

Part of direct access laws are provisions that govern the practice and interests of physical therapists. For example, in some states, direct access is only legal to PTs who have three or more years of experience in physical therapy practice. Other states provide a specific time frame or the number of patient visits to qualify for direct access status.

Benefits of Direct Access to PTs

As a physical therapy practitioner, direct access allows you to market your services directly to the prospective patient without having to rely on referrals to your practice from other doctors. Direct access places patients in charge of their healthcare and PTs in charge of their profession; a win-win for everyone. These new regulations also enable patients to be more involved in their health needs. They can research which physicians and PTs in their locality to consult for physical therapy services.

Final Thoughts

Direct access laws provide many benefits to PTs and patients. As a practitioner, it is important to familiarize yourself with these laws and take advantage of what benefits you. Patients should also do due diligence to ensure that whatever steps they take to seek physical therapy services are in line with the law.

 In extreme medical conditions, the qualifications and experience of a practitioner are crucial. Therefore, they should use their best judgment before settling on whom to consult for their physical therapy needs.