Direct Access......an Open Door to PT
You love your workout days, but this morning your left knee is telling you "not today." Rubbing your kneecap......something is different. It feels warm.....and even a little puffy. Give it a day or two....maybe a week or two. Now its been three weeks and still no improvement. In fact, now it hurts worse than when you stopped working out. What to do next? Call your doctor? Talk to a personal trainer? See a physical therapist?
Unresolved knee pain, it's definitely time to see a doctor or a PT. Most states have "direct access" laws for physical therapy which allow you to go directly to a licensed PT without seeing a physician first. Growing in popularity, self-referral saves time and money. It allows you to be evaluated and treated more quickly.....and minimizes the cost to your insurance and to you in the form of additional co-pays. If your condition is not appropriate for therapy, it is the responsibility of the therapist to immediately refer you to a physician.
During your initial visit, your evaluation will be carefully documented. In most cases, an electronic medical record (EMR) will be created. "Look" and "listen" are essential components to determine the cause of your knee pain and the best course of action. Your PT will watch you walk, move your hip and knee, compare it to your right knee, and perform selective tests. Treatment will depend on the findings in your evaluaton. If, however, it is determined PT treatment is not appropriate, you will be referred to a doctor. To further expedite your care, the PT will send your digital EMR to the physican and insurance company, if required. Keeping all your records together - ensuring quality care.
"Direct Access" refers to your legal ability to be seen by a physical therapist (PT) without a physican's referral. Forty-five states and the District of Columbia allow physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients without a physican referral. Currently, the only states not offering "direct access" are Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Michigan and Oklahoma do allow you to self-refer for an evaluation, but require a physican referral for treatment. The "direct access" law has built-in safeguards to protect patients. Some states, as Ohio, require the therapist to inform the patient's physician of their evaluation within five days. In all "direct access" states, if no significant progress is noted in your condition after 30 days, your PT must consult directly with or refer you to a doctor.
The benefits of "direct access" are numerous
- Eliminate delay in access to pain treatment
- Decrease patient frustration in gaining access to treatment
- Allows for earlier return to "normal life" and return to work
- Earlier treatment intervention = reduced healing time
- Reduced risk of long term loss of function
- Improve communication between PT and physician
Most insurance companies recognize "direct access" to PT. It saves money by eliminating unnecessary physican visits. They recognize costs are reduced when patients have options....and treatments are not delayed. Contact your insurance provider to check on your options for "direct access." Your knees will thank you.
For more information on Direct Access read this
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