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What is Direct Access?

By: Rebecca Sheaffer, PT, DPT, OCS

Perhaps you, or someone you love, has struggled with aches and pains and didn’t want to have to go through the hassle of trying to call and schedule a doctor’s appointment in order to get a prescription for physical therapy. Did you know that there is a way for you to come for physical therapy without having to get a script from a doctor? There is!

Here at Phoenix Physical Therapy, we offer Direct Access. Direct Access allow a patient to come in for physical therapy without needing to see a doctor beforehand or getting a signed prescription. According to APTA (The American Physical Therapy Association), Direct Access is defined as “The right of the public to directly access physical therapists for evaluation, examination and intervention without first having obtained a prescription from a physician.” At Phoenix Physical Therapy Royersford, we are proud to remind you that Becky (Rebecca Sheaffer, PT, DPT, OCS) not only has her traditional PT license, but also her Direct Access license, allowing her to see patients without the need of a script.

Direct Access allows a therapist to treat a patient for a maximum of 30 days prior to requiring physician prescription. At the end of that period the therapist and patient can decide if additional care is needed. Direct Access is covered by most insurances, with some limitations.

If you are interested in trying Direct Access or have any questions, find a Phoenix Physical Therapy location near you to ask about how you can get started on your journey to recover, recharge, and rise.