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What Is Direct Access?
In June 2016, the Louisiana Physical Therapy Practice Act was amended to allow patients “Direct Access” to Physical Therapy services.
Direct Access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access Physical Therapy services for evaluation and treatment.
What Does This Mean to Me?
You may come directly to your physical therapist and receive an evaluation and treatment for any musculoskeletal injury first without having to make a separate trip to your doctor’s office.
Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and, if appropriate, develop a treatment plan for you which may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities. Our treatment plans are based on the most up-to-date and current guidelines of care.
Benefits Of Direct Access To PT:
- Allows you to see a Doctor of Physical Therapy without seeing a physician first, minimizing the wait time and allowing you to receive the care you need sooner rather than later.
- Our Doctors of Physical Therapy have gone through extensive training for medical screening and musculoskeletal exams and are highly qualified musculoskeletal experts. During an evaluation, your therapist will ask specific questions related to your health, including past medical history and medications, to determine if physical therapy is appropriate.
- Physical Therapists are trained to recognize “red flags” that require a referral to a physician and will guide you through that process, if necessary.
- Direct access can decrease overall healthcare costs, improve functional outcomes, and minimize overall frustration throughout your recovery process.
- Direct access enhances communication with your primary care provider because we send our initial findings and ongoing progress, which gives your provider better information on the effectiveness of therapy or the need for further diagnostic recommendations.
- Once a treatment plan is in place, our team will work with you, your family members, and your healthcare provider(s) to help achieve your goals.
If you have any additional questions, or would like to request an appointment, please reach out to us!
318-936-2004
info@warnertherapyservices.com