Weekly Rehab Minute: 'Direct and Open Access to Physical Therapy'

Phone: &nbsp;(715) 699-1371
Website: &nbsp; HaywardPT.net
Facebook: &nbsp; Hayward PT &amp; Wellness

Imagine only being able to shop at one store in your town. This means that all of your hardware and household goods had to be purchased in one place. It’s a good thing this is not the case when it comes to physical therapy! The phrase, open access, allows patients an important choice in their healthcare. It gives the patient the right to receive service at whichever facility they choose to receive care. Regardless of a doctor writing a prescription to a certain facility, patients are free to choose where they want to rehab. The patient has the right to tell their doctor where they would like to receive physical therapy care.

As of January 1st, 2015, all 50 states are eligible to receive PT services without a prescription or a doctor referral. This is called direct access. It is always good to keep in mind that most insurance companies grant a certain number of visits to use within a certain amount of time. Patients should always to try to keep up with home exercises and attend all therapy appointments.

With open and direct access for physical therapy services, patients are now able to exercise more control of the care they receive as well as those who oversee their medical cases. This is good for everyone as they can always make sure they are receiving the top-notch care they deserve.