New Texas Law Offers Access to PT Without Physician’s Referral

AT XO Physical Therapy, we believe that care should be preventative, timely, and work with your lifestyle. We’re thrilled to share that as of September 1, all Texas residents can visit a physical therapist for treatment without a physician’s referral, thanks to Texas’ new Direct Access bill (which you can view in its entirety here).

The bill enables patients to take control of their care, bypassing unnecessary doctors’ visits and additional costs and getting on a physical therapy treatment plan faster. We know this story all too well. In fact, according to a study by Health Services Research, total health care costs for patients who had early access to physical therapy were less than half the total costs paid by those who waited three months to a year to visit a PT facility.

At your visit, our expert therapists will be able to quickly understand, diagnose, and start treatment on what’s causing you pain, so you can get back to enjoying your daily activities. Give our staff a call today with any questions regarding your care, or for more details on what’s covered under the new bill.

A few things you need to know

HB 29 amends provisions of Section 453.301, Occupations Code (PT Practice Act) that includes:

• Treatment without a referral for up to ten (10) consecutive business days for a physical therapist with a doctoral degree in physical therapy or who has completed a minimum of thirty (30) continuing competence activities in the area of differential diagnosis.
• Additionally, a PT with a doctoral degree in physical therapy who has completed a residency or fellowship can treat for up to fifteen (15) consecutive business days without a referral.
• Stipulations on treatment without a referral are the PT must have been licensed to practice physical therapy for at least one (1) year and must be covered by professional liability insurance.
• Before treatment can exceed the authorized number of days, a referral must be obtained from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Get the best Physical therapy services in McAllen, Mission, Rio Grande City, and Weslaco. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get started on the road to recovery. We run individualized programs for physical therapy in South, Texas.