Many individuals who are dealing with pain have heard about the option of going to a physical therapist but do not know the necessary steps it takes to get there. One of the most common questions people looking to see a physical therapist often ask is if they need a doctor’s referral from their primary care physician to see a physical therapist. In most cases, you will not need a referral from your primary care doctor. Town n Country residents usually have direct access to physiotherapy clinics, meaning that they legally see them directly without any oversight from another physical.
When Would You Need a Referral?
Because Florida is a Direct Access state, patients do not need a referral first and be treated for thirty days by physician in order to see another doctor. Town N Country residents should know that Direct Access is a state by state issue, meaning that you would only need a referral if you move to a different state that has laws against going directly to a physical therapist. As a Floridian this may sound like nothing but Florida is known for having a lot of snowbirds come down for the winter months where in their states, Direct Access is not the popular way of dealing with a physical therapist.
Should I Talk to My Primary Care Physician First?
Although Direct Access laws state that you do not need a referral from a primary care doctor to want to pursue a regimen of physical therapy, it is still recommended you discuss your intentions with your doctor. Town n Country residents might find out from their primary care physician that their condition causing them pain and discomfort has not been shown to have any effect injunction with stretches and exercises targeting your area of discomfort. Alternatively, your doctor can give your insight into physical therapy and how it can help you with a specific condition. Many people after surgery for example are recommended physiotherapy to help them recover faster.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Bayside Medical Group*
