Direct Access To Physical Therapy
What is Direct Access?
Traditionally the model was that patients had to first be “referred” to a Physical Therapist before being treated by one. This referral was typically made by their doctor (MD) or by another qualified health care provider (Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant etc.). Since 1957, every state including the District of Columbia has passed legislation allowing some degree of direct access to physical therapy care, which means patients would not need a physician’s referral or prescription.
Does My Insurance Pay for Treatment Without a Referral or Prescription?
The answer is: it depends. Most commercial insurance companies in Massachusetts (BCBS, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts, etc.) do offer products that will allow their subscribers to see a Physical Therapist without first obtaining a prescription or referral. Most of these types of plans are called Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. The other main type of plan these companies offer are called a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan which require obtaining a “insurance referral” from your primary care physician before they will pay for physical therapy services. Government subsidized health insurance plans (Medicare, Mass Health, Medicaid) all require having either a prescription for physical therapy or having them sign off on the treatment plan.
The Cray Physical Therapy Difference
First and most important, we have assembled a team of knowledgeable people who can navigate you through the requirements preceding your initial visit with us. Our philosophy is that we want our patients to focus on what’s important, getting better! Our team of qualified therapists will work closely with your doctor and offer consistent communication regarding your progress or address any concerns they may have. If you or a loved one have an injury or are experiencing pain and would like to feel better and get back doing the things you love to do, give our office a call and we will be happy to assist you!
If you have any questions regarding Direct Access please give us a call at 339-987-4856.
Cray Physical Therapy offers treatments, management and general information for several types of pain related to work, sports or everyday living injuries. Give us a call at 339-987-4856 so we can help you get on the road to recovery! You can also fill out our contact form by clicking here and we will be back in touch.
