In Arizona, you do not need a referral or prescription to begin physical therapy.

Since 2003, Arizona has granted you the freedom to seek physical therapy without a referral. Also known as Direct Access, House Bill 1229 removed the physician mandate by state law to access physical therapists’ services for evaluation and treatment.

Simply, if you feel you have a problem that may benefit from the skilled services of an AzOPT physical therapist, you are able to refer yourself.

Keep in mind that your insurance policy may require a visit to the primary care physician first or may limit your access to preferred providers only. Our office will happily work with you to determine your specific benefits and requirements. Medicare beneficiaries are able to go directly to physical therapists without a referral or visit to a physician.

How Does This Help Me?

This referral mandate previously caused delays to individuals who would benefit from treatment.  Delays in care result in higher costs, decreased functional outcomes, and frustration to patients seeking physical therapy treatment.  Eliminating the referral mandate results in timely, and thus more effective, physical therapy services.

Is AzOPT Qualified to Evaluate and Treat?

Physical therapists are stringently regulated by all states, and as highly trained health care professionals, AzOPT physical therapists have a proven track record of effectively treating thousands of patients.  Our physical therapists are well-qualified, both through formal education and clinical training, to evaluate your condition, assess your physical therapy needs and, if appropriate, safely and effectively treat.  Our physical therapists are also well-qualified to recognize when patients demonstrate conditions, signs, and symptoms that should be evaluated by other health care professionals before therapy is instituted.

Why Is Direct Access Important?

Healthcare is expensive.  A system that allows you to directly seek the services of our physical therapists can help save healthcare dollars by eliminating unnecessary medication, surgery, or expensive imaging tests (X-Rays, MRIs, CT scans).  Remember, if further testing is needed, our physical therapists will refer you to the right healthcare professionals.

Get the Quality Care You Deserve - From The Beginning!

Contact us to schedule a Complimentary Assessment, a free, no obligation injury assessment by a licensed physical therapist to see how and if you would benefit from physical therapy services, a home program or a referral to a physician.

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