Have you ever received an injury or woken up with a pain in your back, hips, legs, or shoulders? Your first thought was probably “I need to call my doctor and see if I can get in the office for a visit today.”
So you call them, and you’re disappointed to hear there are no available openings for you to be seen for another week. This means another week of attempting to self-medicate, another week of sleepless nights and discomfort. This is typically the case in many situations of chronic pain, but it doesn’t have to be!
Did you know that you don’t need to have a referral from your primary care provider to see a physical therapist at Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic in Williamsburg? It’s true, thanks to direct access laws in Virginia.
If you require physical therapy for a chronic condition or injury, call Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic today to learn more about how you can get started on your journey towards a pain-free life. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about direct access legislation, and the benefits of physical therapy for improved health and wellness.
What is Direct Access?
Ever heard of direct access laws? Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic have got you covered!
Direct Access allows you to be in control of your healthcare and the speed at which you’re able to receive it. Direct access laws allow patients to receive an evaluation and treatment from a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. This means less time and money spent trying to find a solution to your pain and discomfort.
Virginia is one state that allows direct access to physical therapy. GetPT’s website thoroughly outlines the requirements for physical therapy clinics in our state to treat direct access patients, stating:
A physical therapist can treat direct access patients when treatment does not extend beyond 14 consecutive business days from the date of initial evaluation and:
- The patient attests he or she is not currently being seen by a physician, chiropractor, or another provider for the same problem therapy is addressing.
- The patient can give the therapist the name of a licensed healthcare provider the patient plans to see if his or her condition does not improve within the 14-day time frame. The therapist must receive this information before the start of evaluation and treatment.
- The patient must provide written consent that the therapist can release all PHI and records to the above-mentioned healthcare provider.
- The physical therapist must give the above-mentioned provider a copy of the initial evaluation, along with a copy of the patient’s history, within the first three days of treatment.
- The therapist must contact the abovementioned healthcare provider at the end of the 14-day period to see if he or she will authorize any further physical therapy treatment until the patient is able to see the provider.
- The patient must not have been evaluated for the same injury within the last three months in order for the therapist to perform an initial evaluation.
It should also be noted that there currently are no limitations to direct access treatment of students, school athletes, or students participating in individualized education plans. PT can also be used to prevent injury, provide conditioning, improve fitness, and/or reduce stress levels.
Choosing physical therapy over alternatives
Now that you’re up to speed on the benefits of direct access, you should also understand the benefits of physical therapy and what it can do for your overall health!
Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, and effective way to combat a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions — all without the use of harmful and addictive pain medication. A physical therapist is a movement specialist, educated in analyzing mobility issues with walking, running, jumping, bending, stretching, and almost every other form of physical activity.
Some of the most common conditions a physical therapist at Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic can help treat:
- Ankle and wrist sprains or strains
- Arthritis
- Lymphedema
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Back pain and herniated discs
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Sciatica
Physical therapists know exactly how to pinpoint your problem areas and create a customized treatment plan aimed at improving or relieving your pain condition. They can also teach you how to prevent future injuries from occurring, which is an added bonus if you’re an athlete or enjoy playing physically demanding sports.
Comber physical therapists help patients strengthen their muscles and joints, improve their range of motion, prevent injury, improve their balance, build endurance, and experience pain relief, all without the unwanted harmful risks of drugs or surgery. So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone today and call us!
Your recovery begins here
Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic are here to provide support to you every step of your recovery journey. Our success depends upon your success, and we strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can heal safely and comfortably.
Call our clinic to learn more about direct access and to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled and attentive therapists. We’re here to help you feel your best and reach your ultimate fitness goals!
http://getpt.org/physical-therapy-direct-access-laws-state/#v
Tags: physical therapy, physical therapist, Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, direct access, health insurance, access to physical therapy
