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Writer's pictureKC Rehab Team

Do I need a referral to receive physical therapy treatment?

Are you wanting to make a physical therapy appointment, but you don’t have a referral from your doctor? Thanks to the Missouri Senate Bill 51 signed into law on April 28, 2023, by Missouri Governor Mike Parsons, you can now receive direct access to physical therapy. Historically, Missouri was one of a few states that had limited direct access. The Missouri chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association worked to get direct access to physical therapy passed for over 10 years. 


Physical therapy is a cornerstone of health care that helps people recover from injuries, restore their regular functions and manage their pain. Prior to the passing of SB 51, you could face a delay in getting the care you needed due to needing to get a referral from a physician stating that physical therapy was an appropriate treatment for your situation. Now, Missouri Senate Bill 51 helps eliminate certain barriers to receiving physical therapy. The act allows physical therapists with their Doctorate of Physical Therapy or at least five years of clinical experience to evaluate and initiate treatment without requiring a prescription or referral from a health care provider.


Direct access physical therapy allows Missouri physical therapists to use their expertise to best serve their communities, while also providing safeguards when the expertise of a medical doctor is necessary. 


Benefits of direct access physical therapy


Direct access physical therapy can make it more accessible to people who are dealing with certain conditions and provides benefits including:


  • Reduced costs — By eliminating the need for a referral, patients can save on consultation fees, imaging tests and other related expenses. Physical therapy interventions may be able to help reduce the need for more expensive treatments or surgeries. 


  • Timely intervention — Direct access to physical therapy allows patients to receive care more promptly. Early intervention can improve recovery time and keep minor issues from becoming major problems. 


  • Streamlined care — Thanks to direct access, the number of steps to receive care has been lowered. Instead of having to schedule and wait for a physician’s appointment for their referral, patients can now schedule directly with a physical therapy clinic. 


  • Empowerment and convenience — A physician may have specific physical therapy clinics they refer to. Direct access puts the choice into the hands of the patients, who can choose their physical therapists and start treatment on their own terms. This can lead to a more patient-centered care approach.


  • Decreased medication use — Physical therapy can help provide pain relief and functional improvement without relying on medications. Direct access can help get patients into care more quickly and further reduce reliance on medication. 


  • Preventive care — Direct access now allows patients to consult with a physical therapist to learn preventive measures that can help them avoid injuries or making a condition worse. 


  • Reduced primary care burden — Direct access can help alleviate some of the demands on primary care providers. This can allow physical therapists the ability to help their patients more quickly and primary care providers to focus on patients who need medical interventions. 


  • Increased patient satisfaction — Due to reduced costs and improved patient outcomes from earlier interventions, direct access to physical therapy can boost patient satisfaction


What direct access to physical therapy does not mean


While direct access to physical therapy adds convenience for some patients, it’s still crucial to clarify what direct access doesn’t mean:


  • It’s not a replacement for physicians. 

  • It’s not a comprehensive diagnosis approach. 

  • It’s still a collaborative approach.

  • It’s not a one-size-fits-all method. 

  • It’s not OK to ignore identified symptoms indicating a more serious underlying issue. 

  • It’s not a free pass around insurance requirements. 


When should and shouldn’t you use direct access to physical therapy?


Direct access to physical therapy may be your best choice for:


  • Recurring issues — If you’re dealing with conditions or issues you’ve experienced before and have been previously diagnosed, like lower back pain, direct access physical therapy can help you treat the problem without going through the hoops of getting a new referral. 


  • Injury prevention — If you’re looking to start a new fitness routine or just wanting to prevent potential injuries, direct access to a physical therapist can help you get the guidance and exercises you need to help optimize your wellness journey. 


  • Minor injuries — If you’re dealing with a minor injury like a sprain, strain or simple fall and you feel confident that it’s not something more serious, direct access to physical therapy can get you immediate access for assessment and intervention.


  • Chronic pain management — If you’re dealing with chronic pain from issues like osteoarthritis, working with a physical therapist can help provide you with pain relief and management strategies. 


In the following situations, though, physical therapy should not be your first choice and you should go through a physician:


  • Severe injuries — If you’ve experienced a major trauma and suspect a more serious injury like a fracture or dislocation, immediate medical care is essential. Major traumas may need a consultation with a specialist.


  • Complex medical histories — If you have an extensive medical background or have multiple health conditions, a thorough evaluation by your physician can help ensure that all aspects of your health are taken into consideration before starting physical therapy. 


  • Serious symptoms — If you’re having serious or “red flag” symptoms, which may indicate you’re dealing with a more severe underlying condition, it’s crucial to seek your primary care provider’s care before coming to physical therapy. 


  • Pre/postsurgical rehabilitation — While pre- and postsurgical rehabilitation help you prepare for surgery and to recover after surgery, it’s crucial for your physical therapist and physician to work together to fully monitor your condition and treatment. 


Direct access physical therapy in Missouri can offer greater convenience and accessibility for many patients. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations and when to seek the care of a physician. By making informed decisions, you can optimize your health care experience and achieve better outcomes. 


Get started with direct access physical therapy with KC Rehab


At KC Rehab, we offer direct access physical therapy services thanks to Missouri Senate Bill 51. This allows us to provide you with the convenience and flexibility to seek treatment without needing a physician's referral. Our team of experienced physical therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care tailored to help meet your specific needs. We work closely with you to develop customized treatment plans that can help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery. 


Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.

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