Did you know that you can go directly to a physical therapist without needing a referral from another healthcare provider? This means you can start your therapy sooner, especially if you have issues with your muscles or spine. It’s been shown that getting early access to physical therapy can save you money. On average, patients saved about $265.68 just on physical therapy costs and $2,001 on their total healthcare costs. Plus, there were no reports of any harm to patients who went directly to a physical therapist.
Physical therapists are trained to check for any serious problems and can send you to a doctor if needed. So, you’re in safe hands! In fact, a study looked at data from five different research projects and found that going straight to physical therapy is not only cheaper but also helps you get better faster if you have spine-related issues. People who went to physical therapy first had better results, spent less money on therapy and overall healthcare and needed fewer visits.
While Tennessee allows direct access to physical therapy, there are some rules you need to follow. If you’re unsure whether you can see a physical therapist without a referral, feel free to ask me any questions!
Lauren DeYoe
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Reiki Master
Owner Reiki PT
Reference:
Hon S, Ritter R, Allen DD. Cost-Effectiveness and Outcomes of Direct Access to Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders Compared to Physician-First Access in the United States: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2021 Jan 4;101(1).