The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines direct access as: "the legal right of the public to seek and receive an examination, evaluation and interventions by a physical therapist without the referral of a physician.
Since 2003, under the Public Laws of New Jersey, patients have been able to go directly to a physical therapist to have their injuries immediately evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist. In many cases, a referral is not necessary for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of acute and chronic impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health."
Under Direct Access, you are allowed up to 10 visits to physical therapy within 30 days without the need for a physician referral or prescription*. Upon completion of your physical therapy evaluation, we will design a treatment plan for you. If further treatment is needed after 10 visits or 30 days, including the need for further diagnostics (e.g., x-ray, MRI, etc.), we will let your physician know, so he or she can determine the next step for you.
Some of the benefits of Direct Access include:
- Improved Access to Care Eliminates Delays
- Improved Choice of Provider
- Convenience/Flexibility
- Decreased Out-of-pocket Expense
- Elimination of Unnecessary Diagnostic and Pharmaceutical Costs
- Faster Return to Work
If you're in pain, don't ignore it! Call either of our convenient locations to schedule an appointment today:
- Lawrenceville (609) 896-4128
- Princeton (609) 683-5970
*Workers' compensation, no-fault and Medicare patients still need a physician referral to be seen by a physical therapist.
