Cedar-Hill-Physical-Therapy-Greensboro-NC

Direct Access

Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral

It may surprise you to learn that you can go directly to your physical therapist when dealing with pain or an injury. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with an old or new problem. In all 50 states, you can schedule a visit with our therapist to get help sooner than later.

In the medical community, Direct Access is the ability to see a physical therapist when you want to without getting permission from your physician or medical practitioner.

Physical therapists routinely assess and treat patients without a physician’s recommendation. You can call (336) 644-9661 directly at Cedar Hill Physical Therapy and Wellness, located in the Summerfield/northwest Greensboro area of North Carolina, and we’ll schedule your appointment today! Direct Access eliminates wasting your time for the appointment to see a doctor, then the delays in getting a referral to physical therapy and waiting for an appointment to see the therapist.

Another benefit of going directly to our physical therapist is the cost savings. Beyond the cost of copayments to see your physician or being sent to a specialist paying another copay, and finally getting sent to physical therapy, you can save money and see Paul the physical therapist directly.

Direct Access is all about having the freedom to make your own decisions without being bound by outdated rules. It allows you to be in charge of your healthcare so you can focus on your recovery instead of waiting for another appointment to get you the help you need today!

If you have questions about Direct Access or would like to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, contact Cedar Hill Physical Therapy and Wellness in the Summerfield/northwest Greensboro area of North Carolina now!

Misunderstandings About Direct Access

Although the term “direct access” has been around for decades, not everyone outside the physical therapy profession knows about it or what it actually means. The good news is that the old-fashioned healthcare model is being updated to provide patients better access to physical therapy services.

There is a lot of evidence that early or Direct Access to physical therapy reduces waiting time, lowers costs, improves convenience for the patient and health care system, and, most importantly, improves recovery time.

Scheduling directly with a physical therapist is important in all areas of physical therapy, including outpatient physical therapy, pediatrics, private home care, school districts, hospitals, and even the sports fields. Direct Access is much more common than the general public and other medical practitioners realize.

For a long time, only a handful of states had laws allowing patients to go directly to their physical therapist; now, Direct Access is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While the program continues to have some limitations, Direct Access laid the foundation for revising regulations and ensuring that you receive the care you need when you want it.

Call Cedar Hill Physical Therapy and Wellness today at (336) 644-9661 to learn more about how to schedule an appointment with Paul the Physical Therapist!

How direct access laws affect health insurance

Figuring out health insurance plans seems to get more and more complicated. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear the health insurance sector will change any time soon. Every carrier is different, and plans are too. And it may even get more complicated!

Fortunately, Direct Access is covered by a wide range of private health insurance carriers. Remember, you must check what your insurance covers, no matter what!

While not necessary, we recommend that Paul the Physical therapist stay in regular communication with your General Practitioner. With your permission, we will submit your plan of care to be reviewed and signed off on by your provider.

Medicare patients may come to physical therapy through Direct Access. Once Paul the Physical Therapist has completed your initial evaluation, it will be sent to your provider. Medicare does not require a physician order but does require the physician signature on the physical therapy plan.

There are numerous advantages to having Direct Access to physical therapy. For example, patients report higher satisfaction when receiving physical therapy through Direct Access versus physician referral. In addition, patients receiving physical therapy through direct Access versus referral had better outcomes at discharge.

If you or someone you love would like to learn more about Direct Access to physical therapy or how physical therapy helps you with most any condition you are dealing with, request an appointment at Cedar Hill Physical Therapy and Wellness today!

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

MOVE BETTER & FEEL BETTER, GET STARTED TODAY!