The state of Tennessee allows physical therapists (PT) to treat patients under direct access. What does this mean? It means that you do not have to see a physician first to be referred for physical therapy interventions but instead you can go directly to see a PT. Tennessee has made improvements to its direct access legislation making it even easier for patients to receive physical therapy interventions with less restrictions.

How has Tennessee made it easier for you to receive PT interventions?

Prior to the recent direct access changes, you were restricted to only 15 visits or treatment for 30 days, which ever came first. With the new update, patients can receive up to 90 days of physical therapy treatment before the PT must consult with your physician. However, if your PT determines that no progress has been made in respect to your condition within 30 days, then your PT must consult with your physician and discontinues care at that point in time rather than waiting for 90 days.

If you have had a licensed physician previously diagnose you with a chronic, neuromuscular, or developmental condition then the PT may evaluate and provided services for symptoms associated with the previously diagnosed conditions without a physician’s referral. But the PT must discontinue PT interventions if the conditions present require services beyond the PT’s scope of practice, reasonable therapeutic progressions is not being made, or physical therapy treatment is contraindicated.

Some insurances may have exceptions to this. Therefore, it is always important to be familiar with your insurance. Give us a call at 865-251-3044, we are happy to assist you. We would love to see you at OrthoKnox Physical Therapy for your physical therapy needs!