Direct Access

You do not Need An Immediate Referral For Treatment! Find Out More About Direct Access!  

Do you think you will need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, assisted stretching specialist or personal trainer? This is not true!  Direct Access legislation in every state allows for evaluation and treatment without the need for a doctor’s referral. By removing barriers, healthcare becomes more effective and efficient, allowing you to choose the treatments we offer first!

Consider this scenario for a moment: you wake up with an achy back that is getting worse and worse. When you call the doctor, you learn that you cannot be seen for another three days. That is three MORE days of suffering ahead of you! 

Luckily, you can see a Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Assisted Stretching Specialist, Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer right now and get started immediately on your recovery with Direct Access. The sooner you see an expert provider, the sooner you will start feeling better!

Plus, immediate care saves you money and allows you to get back to your regular lifestyle more quickly. Direct Access is all about making a personal choice without regulations. It puts you in the driver’s seat of your own healthcare. To keep learning about more benefits, keep reading and be sure to contact Midland or Freeland Sports Rehab in Midland and Freeland, MI today if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment to be seen.

Debunking Myths

Many people believe that Direct Access only applies to outpatient treatment, but it also covers many other types of treatment! Including treatment in pediatric centers, private home care, school systems, hospitals, and on the sports field. Immediate care is far more common than most people think. 

Another misconception is that Direct Access is not available in all states. But, it is in fact available, in some form, in all 50 states. As well as the District of Columbia! Direct Access may have some limitations, but the groundwork has been laid and the rules will shift in the future.

Insurance Plans That Cover Direct Access 

Although insurance is always changing, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AETNA and many private health insurance companies are covered under the regulation. As long as the provider establishes a plan of care for the patient, care is covered under Medicare. Just keep in mind that for continued physical therapy treatment, the physical therapist must have the plan of care approved and signed off by a licensed doctor (DO ,MD, PA).

Studies Have Shown That:

  • Patients reported a higher level of satisfaction when they received treatment Directly versus physician referral.
  • Patients receiving treatment through direct access versus referral had better outcomes at discharge.

All around, Direct Access is changing the landscape of healthcare. If you or someone you love would like to learn more about immediate care or how to combat chronic pain of any sort, call our clinic in Midland or Freeland, MI today to schedule an appointment.