What is Direct Access?
There has been some kind of direct access being permitted in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Meaning the population of these states has a legal right to seek and receive an exam, evaluation, or intervention by a physical therapist without a referral from a physician.
Of these 46 states and the District of Columbia, 17 have unrestricted access. This unrestricted access means exactly as it sounds; there are no limitations on getting evaluated or treated by a physical therapist when the patient is without a referral from a physician. Whereas the other 29 states and the District of Columbia require a variety of provisions in order to receive medical services from a physical therapist.
In contrast to the unrestricted access, states with provisions will require a referral for specific occasions. For instance, in Connecticut, Maine, and North Carolina, a referral is required when spinal manipulation is involved in the treatment. Some states such as Ohio, Maine, and New Hampshire require a referral from a physician if the patient shows no sign of improvement within a defined amount of time. There are also some states like Delaware, Minnesota, and New Jersey that require a referral after a specified time frame, regardless of the patient’s improvement due to treatment
Of these 46 states and the District of Columbia, 17 have unrestricted access. This unrestricted access means exactly as it sounds; there are no limitations on getting evaluated or treated by a physical therapist when the patient is without a referral from a physician. Whereas the other 29 states and the District of Columbia require a variety of provisions in order to receive medical services from a physical therapist.
In contrast to the unrestricted access, states with provisions will require a referral for specific occasions. For instance, in Connecticut, Maine, and North Carolina, a referral is required when spinal manipulation is involved in the treatment. Some states such as Ohio, Maine, and New Hampshire require a referral from a physician if the patient shows no sign of improvement within a defined amount of time. There are also some states like Delaware, Minnesota, and New Jersey that require a referral after a specified time frame, regardless of the patient’s improvement due to treatment