Direct Access

No Doctor's Referral Needed

Do you think you will need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist? This is not true! Direct Access legislation in Wisconsin allows physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients without the need for a doctor’s referral.

According to Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association, “direct access” is defined as:

“The right of the public to directly access physical therapists for evaluation, examination, and intervention. In other words, a member of the public does not need to secure a referral from a physician or other health care practitioner to receive physical therapy services. The public is best served when access is unrestricted you to choose physical therapy first!”

Our accepted insurance rules change. Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many private health insurance companies are covered under Direct Access. Medicare requires a plan of care for continued treatment.  Our doctors will establish a plan of care for you. Our office will help you navigate the insurance confusion.

How does that impact you?

For example, on a sunny Saturday, you are gardening and standing up to find your back now hurts.  You can suffer through the pain and begin resting.  You call your doctor Monday morning and they can see you on Wednesday. You now have suffered for 4 days, most likely consumed 24 Ibuprofen, lost 4 days of living life, and now feel pain and depression.

Life does not have to be lived like that.  Direct Access gives you’re the opportunity to jump-start your diagnosis, speed up your recovery and lower your costs.

Studies About Direct Access In Physical Therapy Have Shown That:

• Patients reported a higher level of satisfaction when they received physical therapy through Direct Access versus physician referral.
• Patients receiving physical therapy through direct access versus referral had better outcomes at discharge.
• Patients who had an MRI first, spent on average $4,793 more.
• According to a study by Blue Cross Blue Shield, direct access led to a:
  • 31% reduction in total healthcare costs
  • 80% decrease in patient's out of pocket expenses
  • 90% reduction in opioid use

Direct access to physical therapists gives you, the consumer, options. Direct access has extended the patient’s choice of health care providers and improved access to services that support wellness. Now, you can decide how to regain your pain-free lifestyle.  We would love to help.