YOU have the freedom to initiate physical therapy treatment without a physician referral! Governor Brown signed a law on October 7, 2013 allowing you and your fellow Californians to directly access physical therapy treatment from licensed physical therapists WITHOUT A REFERRAL. Some insurance carriers, including Medicare and most HMO’s, still require a doctor’s referral in order for their benefits to be used.
As of January 1, 2014 AB1000 amends California Business and Professions Code Section 2620 to allow patients to directly seek physical therapy services and receive immediate relief from pain and/or injuries without a physician referral for up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits. Whichever occurs first, the patient then must be seen by a physician who must sign a plan of care.
This will hopefully eliminate the often unnecessary office visits and co-pays to your physician’s office just to get a referral or diagnosis in order to alleviate your pain.
We are excited that California has joined with the other Western states (Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington) to allow direct access to physical therapy.
Please give our office a call if you have any questions or would like additional information.
