Have you ever experienced an injury or setback in your physical training?
Maybe you decided to have it checked out by your doctor but had to wait weeks for an appointment only to spend a few minutes with the doctor and be given a prescription for physical therapy.
If you are one of the many people who value choice and efficiency in their healthcare, here’s something you’ll want to read.
Did you know physical therapy is a direct access service?
In the past, people who experienced a muscle ache, sprain or strain would have to first see their primary care medical doctor to obtain a prescription referring them to physical therapy.
Direct access relates to a patient’s ability to seek medical attention from a specialist, such as a physical therapist, without requiring a referral from their primary care physician.
Many times, this proved to be time-consuming, delaying beneficial treatment and slowing the road to recovery. As of January 1, 2015, you can now be evaluated by a physical therapist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia without a referral from a physician.
What does this mean for you?
Direct access gives you more options when it comes to selecting healthcare providers.
Whether you start feeling an ache or pain in your knee while running or notice a slight pain in your back or neck as the work day progresses, you can immediately schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, such as the ones at SET Physical Therapy.
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat muscle imbalances and functional deficits, with a goal of returning you to your full potential. If indicated, the therapist can make a recommendation to consult with a physician.
This also means you are more likely to get better faster.
Studies have found physical therapy by direct access compared with referred episodes of care is associated with improved patient outcomes and decreased costs. The study also showed superior satisfaction, reduced physical therapy visits and reduced new non-physical therapy appointments, reducing the patient’s risk for more invasive treatments.
A physical therapy diagnosis is different from a medical diagnosis by a physician and does not include radiological imaging. The physical therapy evaluation will be based on muscle imbalances and functional deficits, with a goal of returning you to your full potential.
Take Advantage of Direct Access Today
Now that you can take advantage of direct access, contact your preferred SetPT location if you’re looking to start your road to recovery with one of our expert physical therapists. They are trained and ready to assess your muscle, joint aches and pains so that you can get back to living life your way!
If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call us at SetPT.
