Direct Access
Texans No Longer Need a Referral to be Treated by a Physical Therapist
Beginning September 1st Texans who want physical therapy for an injury or pain management can now access their Physical Therapist without having to first go see a physician, or other healthcare provider.
The Texas Legislature earlier this year passed HB 29 by Rep. Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio). HB 29 allows Texans to seek the treatment they need without the delay and expense of having to see a physician first. People can now go directly to their Physical Therapist and be treated for up to 10 business days (15 in some instances).
“Many issues that patients have can be treated, and exercises that can be done at home can be demonstrated, within the two weeks that a patient can now see their Physical Therapist,” said Mike Geelhoed, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, President of the Texas Physical Therapy Association. “In cases that are going to require a longer course of treatment, Physical Therapists will know that within a visit or two and can begin the scheduling process with a physician to get a referral for the more extensive treatment.”
“This is great news for patients across the state who can now seek treatment from the most appropriate healthcare provider. Patients can now come directly to us and don’t have to wait for an appointment and pay for an office visit with their primary care physician or orthopedist just to be told they need physical therapy,” noted Dana Tew, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS, Vice President of TPTA.
On November 1, 2019 Texas became the 49th state to allow patients Direct Access to Physical Therapy. Other states have repeatedly shown the benefits in terms of both positive patient outcomes and financial saving. Texans will now see those benefits as well.
If you are in Fort Bend County, Sugar Land, the Richmond/Rosenberg area, Needville, Wharton, or El Campo and you are looking for relief… look no further. First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center is here to help. Call our Sugar Land, TX office at 281.393.4566 or our Rosenberg, TX office at 281.801.4903 to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists today!