Take Control of Your Healthcare: Direct Access to Physical Therapy Means Treatment Right Away
Louisiana is now a “DIRECT ACCESS” state. This means that legislation in Louisiana was passed allowing licensed physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients without first seeing a physician. As a “Direct Access” patient, you do not need a prescription from your physician to receive out-patient physical therapy. You may start treatment the minute you feel pain!
As a “DIRECT ACCESS” provider, physical therapists can utilize their skills and training to the fullest, to offer interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement and the restoration of function. Our expert physical therapists proficiently evaluate a patient’s condition and identify ways to resolve and or improve musculoskeletal and neuromuscular issues. These therapists are also trained to recognize the red flags and other indications which make a referral to another appropriate healthcare provider necessary.
Physical therapists are also well-qualified to recognize when patients demonstrate conditions that should be evaluated by other healthcare professionals. We will suggest a referral to other health care professionals if necessary. In addition, with your permission, we will send our results to your physician and will work in conjunction with him/her.
Source: American Physical Therapy Association
DIRECT ACCESS ADVANTAGES:
- Reduces healthcare cost for patients and for Louisiana.
Direct access states have found that patients have 86% fewer visits on average than referred patients and no unnecessary co-pays or imaging). - Reduces opioid use through the use of mechanics, not pain pills.
Louisiana is one of 13 states with the highest number of painkiller prescriptions. - Keeps more Louisiana physical therapy students in Louisiana’s workforce.
On average, PT schools lose 20% of graduates to out-of-state jobs. They are trained to practice in direct access states (national board exam), and this bill will now keep them at home in Louisiana. - Strengthens the collaborative and innovative health care system in Louisiana.
- Allows for prompt attention and service.
- Ability to choose your physical therapy provider.
- Referral not required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Does Direct Access Work?
You may come directly to Baudry Therapy Center | BRIO to receive an evaluation and treatment for any pain. That means we can treat that acute or chronic shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, neck, back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot injury right now! Upon completion of your Physical Therapy Evaluation, we will determine your treatment plan. If further diagnostic tools (e.g., x-ray, MRI, etc.) are needed to ensure proper care, we will communicate our findings with the physician of your choice.
Who is eligible to be seen via Direct Access?
Any person in Louisiana is eligible to be seen directly by a Physical Therapist.
Should I use Direct Access, or see my Physician first?
Direct access allows you to use Physical Therapy as an entry point for your healthcare needs. Your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and develop a game plan for you. Our team woks as part of the entire medical team to provide the most appropriate treatment plan. If the appropriate care is outside our scope of expertise, we will refer you to the proper healthcare provider.