Patients

Do You Need a Referral for Physical Therapy? What To Know About Direct Access PT

You do not need a referral to get physical therapy, but your insurance company may require a referral before they cover the cost. Direct access laws allow patients to pursue physical therapy without a physician referral, giving you more control over your health.

Alex Bendersky

By Alex Bendersky

Table of Contents

Key Takeways
  • Direct access laws allow patients to receive physical therapy without a physician referral, providing more timely and cost-effective care.
  • Insurance companies may still require a referral for coverage, so it’s essential to check your plan’s specifics before starting treatment.
  • Limitations such as insufficient public awareness and state-specific restrictions can impact the effectiveness of direct access physical therapy.


Before making an appointment with a specialist, you may believe you need to ask your doctor to refer you. But do you need a referral for physical therapy? 

The short answer is no; you don’t need a referral before pursuing physical therapy.

The longer answer is that you can get physical therapy without a referral, but your insurance may not cover it without one. Without a referral, you may be responsible for the cost of treating your condition depending on state legislation and insurance requirements.

Direct access laws make it possible for patients to pursue treatment on their own. Keep reading to learn more about direct access so you can take control of your health with services like in-home physical therapy.