What is Direct Access Physical Therapy?

 

As of January 1, 2015 all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow individuals to seek treatment from a licensed Physical Therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician.  The state of MA obtained unrestricted direct access to physical therapy services in 1982.

 

Entry into the profession and the practice of physical therapy are stringently regulated by all states.  Physical therapists are well qualified, both through formal education and clinical training, to evaluate an individual's condition, assess his or her physical therapy needs, and if appropriate, safely and effectively provide treatment.

 

Physical therapists are also well qualified to recognize when an individual demonstrates conditions or signs and symptoms that may be outside the scope of PT practice.  In some cases, a referral to other health care professionals may be necessary.

 

Seaside Physical Therapy is a fee-for-service healthcare practice.  Unlike an insurance driven practice,  an individual can schedule treatment sessions based on personal preference or need.  There is no preset frequency or time frame.  With direct access, one may also utilize the service for prevention and maintenance, neither of which would typically be covered by most insurance plans.