Freedom of Choice and Choosing Your PT
With direct access you are free to choose the treatment, and practitioner, that suits you best. The ability to seek care directly allows you to compare clinics in your area and find the practice that best fits your needs. There are many resources where you can read reviews of clinics to get a better idea of where you will feel most comfortable. Once you identify some options, you can call their front offices to verify your insurance and set up your evaluation. Make sure that the clinic you choose is familiar with your state’s direct access laws so that your process will be a smooth one.
Most physicians have been conditioned to establish relationships with one or two physical therapists to whom they will refer their patients for treatment. While not all physicians employ this method of referral, they still generally guide patients on which physical therapist to see. It is perfectly normal to trust your physician’s recommendations, but it’s important to note that you do still have the option to go elsewhere, even if the physician referral is written on a prescription pad with a particular clinic’s name on it.
Annual Musculoskeletal Check-Ups
From dentists to optometrists to primary care physicians, healthcare providers of all varieties request an annual checkup to evaluate the ongoing status of their patients. This type of “preventive care” saves billions of healthcare dollars every year by allowing doctors the opportunity to identify risks and/or catch early signs of disease.
Dentists prevent cavities, optometrists monitor vision changes, and physicians identify precursors to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes. In physical therapy your check-up would look signs of pain, inflammation, lack of mobility, weakness, balance problems, and functional limitations in daily activities. With this information physical therapists can adjust your ongoing care to avoid further damage.
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