The Short Answer
No, you do not. In the state of Virginia, you are allowed to attend physical therapy for 60 days before requiring a physician’s referral to extend care past the 60 days.
Why is This Relevant?
Attending physical therapy prior to obtaining a physician’s referral is known as Direct Access. Direct access allows you to be evaluated and begin treatment of an injury without having to schedule a doctor’s appointment, be evaluated by the doctor, and then be referred to physical therapy. Direct access essentially expedites the process to allow you to receive care sooner.
How Does This Benefit me?
There are many benefits to direct access which have been backed by research studies. A recent study examined patients that attended physical therapy via direct access vs patients that attended physical therapy following a physician referral. It has shown that patients who attended physical therapy via direct access have less:
- Total visits to physical therapy
- Visits to physician
- Required imaging (x-ray/MRI)
- NSAID injections
- Total cost for episode of care (Piscitelli, 2018)
Candidates for Direct Access
Direct access has been found to have been beneficial for almost all patients who have a recent onset of pain. This could be from work, exercise, or any part of your daily recreational activities. Whether it is pain in your shoulder, knee, hip, back, ankle, wrist, elbow, etc… We are able to assess and treat impairments.
How Do I Start?
If you are experiencing a recent onset of pain, contact the Respire PT Team today by phone at 703-671-1871 or click here to request an appointment with a Physical Therapist. Let us help you get back to your daily activities without being slowed down by pain.
References
- Piscitelli D, Furmanek MP, Meroni R, De Caro W, Pellicciari L. Direct access in physical therapy: a systematic review. Clin Ter. 2018 Sep-Oct;169(5):e249-e260. doi: 10.7417/CT.2018.2087. PMID: 30393813.
Tags: ptworks, health blog, pt education, virginia direct access, Physical Therapy, Respire Physical Therapy, physical therapist, choosept, arlingtonva, alexandriava, fallschurchva
