One of the most common misconceptions about physical therapy is that you need a referral to schedule an appointment. While needing a referral depends on a variety of factors, all states now have some level of direct access allowing quicker entry into therapy.
Not only is this a sign that you are taking control of your own care and acting as an advocate for your long-term health, but many patients are also already familiar with physical therapy and its benefits.
One of the most asked questions among patients is understanding how a referral plays a role in receiving your desired physical therapy service. To ensure a smooth process, knowing the nuances of these policies in their respective locations across the country may be paramount to gaining access to the care you deserve in a timely fashion. We provide more details about what to expect in a physical therapy visit in another blog, but you do need to know the process for scheduling an appointment without a referral.
Let’s delve more into this, as we provide a better understanding of how to navigate the physical therapy world and gain access to your desired care without a referral if your state permits it.
Scheduling an appointment without a referral is the same as scheduling with a referral. You simply call one of our conveniently located physical therapy clinics or go online to request an appointment.
Make sure to have your insurance card handy when you call. It will speed up benefits verification and reduce registration time during your visit.
We accept many major health plans. It’s our pleasure to verify your health benefits before your first visit. We’ll let you know if there is a copay, deductible, or coinsurance for therapy services.
That’s all there is to it.
There are several reasons to self-refer for physical therapy. For starters, research has shown that patients who self-refer get better faster in fewer sessions.
Why?
What we find is our patients who self-refer are particularly motivated to get better.
Think about it.
When your doctor – or anyone, for that matter – says you must pursue ongoing treatment, you may push back and be slow to dive in. However, when you actively choose a treatment – when you’re motivated to get better – you’ve already fought half the battle.
Patients who self-refer tend to be their own healthcare advocates, which is a significant indicator for long-term overall health.
Let’s investigate this idea of being your own healthcare advocate.
Being your own healthcare advocate has many benefits to you as a patient and your physical therapist. You’ll have a greater sense of control over your health, confidence in your decisions, and a better understanding of how medicine works.
Not only that, when you take on your own health and partner with your provider, your care can be accelerated, and your outcomes can improve significantly. It is important to be proactive about your physical therapy care because allowing an injury to further linger can lead to more complications over time. We encourage you to take any early signs or discomfort seriously by addressing any concerns promptly with a licensed physical therapist before your pain is exacerbated.
Here are some of the most important aspects of healthcare self-advocacy:
Just because physical therapists are trained medical professionals doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ask questions about your care. You need to understand your treatment plan, why it’s important, and how each element will help you heal. Your physical therapist will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, and we encourage you to ask questions.
If you’re not sure if you are performing exercises correctly, ask your PT to show you again. Performing them the wrong way can slow down your progress.
We encourage you to communicate with your physical therapist. Make sure you are being honest about your pain level, mobility, ability to commit to a home exercise program, any concerns or barriers, and goals you have. The more questions you ask and the more you share with your PT, the better prepared we are to help you heal.
We want you to take an active role in your healthcare. You can do this by:
Of course, your physical therapist will have information about every treatment and visit on file, but it doesn’t hurt for you to also keep track of that information yourself. Track your exercise as a good motivational tool to see how far you’re progressing and ensure that you’re consistently attending your appointments to work towards your goals. Keeping track of your progress can also provide that extra bit of motivation as you recover and realize how far you’re progressing.
Last, but certainly not least, make sure you understand your health insurance benefits.
We work with patients to make sure they have the information they need to be fully empowered advocates for their own care.
When navigating physical therapy services without a referral, it is important to understand how the process works to gain access to quality care if you live in a location that allows you to be proactive and self-refer.
At BenchMark Physical Therapy, we believe that patients should receive quality care. We consist of a team of physical therapists that utilize their expertise to craft treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs. We are here to support and guide you towards recovery.
BenchMark Physical Therapy provides an environment for our patients to receive the best care. Between our facilities and expert staff, we strive to ensure the best outcomes regarding your recovery and overall health journey.
Are you ready to take the first step towards recovery and meeting your health goals? Look no further than BenchMark Physical Therapy. Check with your local clinic to find out if self-referral is an option in your state. Kick off your journey to optimal health by scheduling an appointment with us today at a nearby PT clinic.
