Do I need a referral for physical therapy?
How can a physical therapist help me?
What is the training for a physical therapist?
Legislation now allows you to be evaluated and treated for up to 24 days by a physical therapist without a referral from your physician. This is referred to as direct access. In April 2013, Indiana became the 49th of 50 U.S. states to adopt it into practice.
Direct access to physical therapy services means that as a patient, you will receive the treatment you need faster and at a lower overall cost. You will receive the physical therapy you need sooner, because you no longer have to visit your doctor or obtain a prescription before coming to physical therapy. Cutting out that extra visit to your physician also results in reduced health care expenses for you.
Unsure if your symptoms are appropriate for physical therapy treatment? Do not worry. Today’s physical therapists are highly-skilled health care professionals with 7 years of post-secondary education to determine just that.
Recent physical therapy graduates must obtain not only a 4-year bachelor’s degree, but also a 3-year doctoral degree. Within that rigorous curriculum are several hands-on, clinical experiences in which physical therapy students practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Students must then pass a national board exam before becoming licensed themselves.
Extensive schooling prepares physical therapists to evaluate and treat disorders of an array of bodily systems (A few examples of systems are provided):
– Musculoskeletal system (e.g. muscle strains, joint sprains, bone fractures)
– Neuromuscular system (e.g. spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
– Cardiopulmonary system (e.g. cardiac disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
– Integumentary system (e.g. burns and wounds)
Physical therapists are also equipped to deferentially diagnose, or in other words, distinguish between conditions that may present in a similar manner. This helps determine whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for physical therapy. If a patient is determined inappropriate for physical therapy, then a referral is made to another healthcare professional.
The next time you are in need of physical therapy, do not hesitate to contact Peak Performance to schedule an evaluation. Direct access gives you the right to efficient care from skilled physical therapists who are ready to evaluate and treat you today. The sooner you seek help, the sooner we can bring you back to your peak!
K. Collins
Thanks Linda, I’m glad you like the new website layout and functionality. Be sure to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest posts and/or tidbits. Stay healthy my friend.
I really like the new look and feel of the website. Very user friendly.