Direct Access Physical Therapy Care

What is direct access care?

Direct access is described by Ojha (2014) as “physical therapy care directly without first seeing a physician or physician assistant to receive a script or referral for physical therapy services.” (p 15).  

What is direct access NOT?

It is not a replacement for other vital healthcare providers in your life, such as you general practitioners, specialists, and wellness providers.

However, direct access care according to Ojha (2014) did result in less pharmacological intervention and imaging even when patients were continuing their general medical care. That is what teamwork in healthcare can do!

Why seek direct access from a PT?

Get into PT quicker for a better overall cost with less visits and greater satisfaction with care!

Research meta-analysis from Ojha (2014) indicated direct access reduced waiting times, provided convenience, reduced cost for patients, and resulted in less overall physical therapy visits. Patients were more satisfied when receiving direct access with patient goals being achieved more in the direct access patient. No adverse effects were reported in this meta-analysis.

Ojha, H.A. Snyder, R.S. & Davenport, T. E. (2014). Direct access compared with referred physical therapy episodes of care: A systematic review. Physical Therapy, 94(1), 14-30.