Direct Access

You can get physical therapy without a referral!

Are you looking for physical therapy as soon as possible? Maybe you've experienced an injury or you’re dealing with unexplained joint or muscle pain, but who can decide if you need physical therapy - is it yourself or a doctor?

It used to be that only a doctor could refer you for physical therapy. However, in Texas new laws give you the freedom to decide for yourself if you want to pursue physical therapy.

Learn more about how Direct Access Physical Therapy gives you the right to receive physical therapy right away.

How Can I Pursue Direct Access Physical Therapy?

As of September 1st, 2019, Patients who are paying through self-pay/private pay as well as certain insurances, patients do not need a referral from a physician to be treated by any of our therapists for the first 10-15 business days from their initial evaluation. Once those days have been met, a patient would need a referral to continue with services. If you have insurance and are planning to use your insurance (For example: Medicare), a referral will be required for an Initial Evaluation & Treatment Visits after your Initial Evaluation Visit.

Will Direct Access Help Me Get Treatment Faster?

Most likely, yes. You can skip the first step that used to involve making an appointment with your doctor to get a referral. Now you can schedule an appointment directly with the physical therapist you wish to see, allowing you to be evaluated at the earliest possible appointment the PT center has available. This allows you to get the help you need much faster. You can start the healing and recovery process and get relief from your pain sooner than you would if you had to wait for an appointment with a doctor first.

Will My Insurance Still Cover Physical Therapy If I Go The Direct Access Route?

In many cases, yes, but that is a question for your medical insurance provider. Contact them and find out what is required to see a physical therapist in order for treatment to be covered to the furthest extent possible. Some insurance companies may have a list of approved physical therapists that you can go to for direct access in order to have your treatment covered by your insurance plan.

If you have out-of-network benefits with your private health insurance, we will provide you with all the documentation necessary to turn into the health insurance company for reimbursement.

Can I Save Money By Going With Direct Access Physical Therapy?

Going directly to a physical therapist can save you money. If you have to make an appointment with your doctor first, you will most likely have to pay them a copay just to get the referral in the first place. Your insurance provider will also have to pay their part of the referral visit, so it is in both parties’ best interest to pursue direct access.

Who Is Eligible For Direct Access Physical Therapy?

Any citizen of Texas is eligible for direct access physical therapy. Any person residing in any of the state who has a medical condition that would be improved with the help of physical therapy is eligible for an evaluation. It is necessary following the evaluation for the physical therapist to approve treatment in order for a patient to be eligible.

What Types Of Physical Therapy Are Approved For Direct Access?

There are no limitations to the type of physical therapy you can pursue via direct access. Physical therapy for fingers, lower back, shoulder, knee, neck, hip, and more are directly accessible from any qualified center offering the type of therapy you need.

Get Direct Access To Physical Therapy

If you’re looking for a direct access center, Surge Mobile Physical Therapy  is qualified to accept patients without a physician’s referral. We meet the requirements for the state of Texas as a direct access physical therapy center.

Call (956) 443-3844 or contact us today to schedule a consultation and evaluation. We are conveniently located in Olmito and Port Isabel and look forward to helping you get started on the road to recovery.