TheraCare Physical Therapy is now accepting new patients without a physician referral!

New legislation under Senate Bill 35, known as direct access for physical therapy, allows an individual to obtain treatment from a licensed Physical Therapist without first obtaining a referral from a physician.  Ohio has joined 47 other states with some form of direct access to physical therapy.

Benefits To You
This milestone in direct access to physical therapy ultimately benefits you, the patient. 

• Save time and money by eliminating physician visits for referral.
• Eliminate delays that can result in decreased functional outcomes and frustration.
• Allows for an earlier return to work and an earlier return to daily activities.
• Reduces the need for long-term care by providing earlier intervention.
• Qualified medical studies show that immediate care for most musculoskeletal injuries can reduce healing time. 
• Treatment is less costly and there are fewer numbers of services when compared to cases where a referral was obtained

Our Qualifications
Our Physical Therapists are educated at the post-baccalaureate level and receive extensive education and clinical training to provide care independent of physician referrals. We have the necessary skills to practice as an entry point into the health care system. We also have established the relationships with area physicians to make the appropriate referral, should you request. A referral may be recommended if a nonmusculoskeletal pathology is suspected, if the condition isn’t appropriate for therapy, or if you don’t improve in a reasonable amount of time.

Insurance
You should call your insurance provider and ask what your benefits policy provides in terms of direct access coverage.  In many states with direct access, insurance companies are now reimbursing because they realize that it costs less when you, the consumer, have the choice to access physical therapy without a delay.

Payment Options
Payment plans can be arranged for those who are concerned about the costs of their physical therapy care.  Our Physical Therapists will work with you to establish a plan of care that will accomplish your goals and maintain efficiency of treatment.

In summary, you may experience an expedited recovery with a faster return to daily tasks and work demands with the choice to directly access quality physical therapy services.  In addition, weekend and scholastic athletes will enjoy the freedom of choice and the speedy return to sport that early intervention will provide, much like professional athletic care.