Direct Access

No prescription? No problem.

Ivy offers you Direct Access, allowing you to begin treatment without a referral or prescription

FAQs

Does Direct Access to my physical therapist cost more?

No, there is no additional cost for direct access patients.

How does direct access help me?

The previous therapy referral mandate caused delays for people benefitting from physical therapy treatment. Those delays often resulted in higher healthcare costs, lower functional outcomes, and frustration to patients who wanted to get in for physical therapy treatments sooner. By eliminating the referral mandate, patients can start treatment faster.

What should I expect during my initial evaluation as a direct access patient?

During the initial visit, your therapist will thoroughly evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan. This may include exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to help manage your symptoms and improve your function.

What’s the difference between direct access to physical therapy and referral-based physical therapy?

Direct access to physical therapy means that a patient can receive physical therapy treatment without a referral from a physician, while referral-based physical therapy requires a referral from a physician before treatment can begin.

Why is direct access beneficial?

There’s no denying that healthcare is expensive. When you can directly seek the services of a physical therapist, it can help save healthcare dollars by reducing doctor visits and potentially eliminating certain medications, surgeries, and imaging tests like X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans. If further testing is needed, our physical therapists will refer you to the right healthcare professionals.

Will direct access to physical therapy be covered if I’m on Medicare?

Medicare patients who visit one of our facilities without a referral can be seen for an initial evaluation. If our physical therapist determines that physical therapy is a suitable solution for you, the treatment plan will be sent to your healthcare provider for a signature. After receiving a signed plan of care, physical therapy can continue.

Will insurance cover therapy if I’m not referred?

In most cases, yes. However, it depends on your insurance policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine if physical therapy treatment is covered under your plan. If you have any questions, our patient coordinators are happy to help you.

Will my physical therapist still communicate with my primary care physician if I’m a direct access patient?

Yes, as part of your healthcare team, we want to keep an open line of communication.