Direct Access
No prescription? No problem.
Ivy offers you Direct Access, allowing you to begin treatment without a referral or prescription
Get the care you need without the hassle.
One of the many perks of physical therapy is Direct Access, which allows you to get the treatment you need without getting a prescription or referral from your doctor.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia allow patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs. In addition to the simple access patients receive, you also see a decrease in out-of-pocket costs by skipping a visit to your PCP and your treatment starts sooner. Direct access empowers you to take control of your health and start living your best life on your terms.
Direct your health with Direct Access.
Direct Access makes getting the care you need easier and puts you on the road to reaching your goals faster. Here are some other benefits of the service Ivy offers:
- Cost effectiveness
- Quicker results
- Higher patient satisfaction
- More control over your health
Give physical therapy a try.
Ivy offers complimentary injury screenings* at many of our locations so you can get the relief you need without having to schedule a visit. If you’re in pain or suffering, skip the trouble of waiting and come into one of our clinics today.
Direct access laws vary by state. Click here to see the most up-to-date information.
*Beneficiaries of federal health care programs are not eligible to participate in free screenings.
Answers to your Direct Access FAQ.
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.
