Missouri has taken a significant step forward in improving access to healthcare, specifically physical therapy. The new law, called "SB 51," allows direct access so residents can go to physical therapy without a physician's referral.
Direct Access translates to:
- Shorter Wait Times for Care
- Shorter Recovery Times
- Reduced Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
You have the right to choose where you go for physical therapy. You can now go directly to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment without having to get a referral first from your doctor first.
Save time, save co-pays and get better faster so you can get back to the activities you love. We will work with you by developing a tailor-made treatment plan for you, which can include a variety of activities, including a home exercise program to get you started on your path to wellness and a more active lifestyle.
Limitations of Direct Access:
Some insurance plans may still require obtaining a physician's referral before beginning physical therapy. We are in-network with several popular insurances. We will verify your coverage as a courtesy but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information we receive from your insurance company. It's best if you also call your insurance carrier to verify your coverage and co-pays.
We also accept Auto Accidents and Workers' Compensation. Call us at 816-468-5278 if you have any questions about your insurance.
- To continue treatment beyond 10 visits or 30 days (whichever comes first), the patient must obtain a referral from an approved healthcare provider.
- Physical therapists must refer to an approved health care provider any patient whose medical condition at the time of examination or treatment is determined to be beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy.
But, they also must:
- Contact the patient's current approved health care provider within seven days of initiating physical therapy services.
- Not change an existing physical therapy referral available to the physical therapist without the approval of the patient's current approved health care provider.
- Refer to an approved health care provider any patient whose medical condition at the time of examination or treatment is determined to be beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy.
- Refer to an approved health care provider any patient whose condition for which physical therapy services are rendered under this subsection has not been documented to be progressing toward documented treatment goals after six © 2019 American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved.12visits or fourteen days, whichever first occur.
- Notify the patient's current approved health care provider prior to the continuation of treatment if treatment rendered under this subsection is to continue beyond thirty days. The physical therapist shall provide such notification for each successive period of thirty days.
While almost all commercial insurances allow the use of this law, there are a few insurances that still require a referral for physical therapy access. So give us a call at 816-468-5278 or email us at info@modernpt.com if you want to find out if your insurance allows your to come without a referral!
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