Direct Access to Physical Therapy

In California, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist.

Californians have had Direct Access to physical therapy since 2014. In most situations, you can be evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist without first seeing your physician for a referral (except for Medicare- see details below).

Direct Access provides a number of benefits:

• You receive quicker access to the treatment you need.
• Research shows seeing a physical therapist first can save you money.
• Going to physical therapy first, in many cases, will result in fewer overall treatment sessions.

Direct Access in California does have limitations.

• You can receive physical therapy for 45 days or 12 visits, whichever comes first.
• If you do not obtain a referral before the Direct Access period ends, you are required to visit your physician’s office to obtain a referral, prior to resuming physical therapy.
• Once you have seen a physical therapist using Direct Access, you are required to obtain a physician’s referral to return for more treatment in the future.

Medicare requirements: Those with Medicare must be under the care of a physician licensed in the state they receive care. Physical therapists are required to obtain the signature of the referring physician on our treatment plan, called a Plan of Care. Therefore, if you have Medicare, we ask you to obtain a referral before your first visit.

Please call our office if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment. Contact Us.