Direct Access means no type of physician referral is needed to see a physical therapist (PT). Massachusetts is one of 18 states that allow patients total, unrestricted access to a PT (but all 50 states allow direct access in some form). If the PT feels that the patient’s care goes beyond the physical therapy scope of practice, or if physical therapy is contraindicated, the therapist will refer the patient to an appropriate licensed practitioner. If the patient was referred to the PT, the PT will communicate with the licensed referring practitioner throughout the duration of treatment.
Physical Therapy Innovations is a network provider for all Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Tufts and Harvard Pilgrim plans, including their HMOs, Medicare HMO, POS, and PPO products.
Additionally, Physical Therapy Innovations is a provider for many other insurances including Aetna, Cigna Carelink, Fallon, Unicare, United Healthcare, Medex, Medicare, HCVM, Workers’ Compensation, MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident), among others.
In the event that your insurance plan requires a physician referral before seeing a PT for an initial evaluation, our staff will be happy to assist you in obtaining all necessary pre-authorization/referral information to ensure your plan’s maximum PT coverage.
For more information: https://www.apta.org/StateIssues/DirectAccess/
