If you’re dealing with pain or mobility issues, getting started with the right care quickly is key. Fortunately, California is a Direct Access state for Physical Therapy, meaning you can take charge of your well-being without a referral. Skip the doctor visit, avoid unnecessary delays, and start your recovery today.
Direct access to physical therapy in California is all about putting you, the patient, first.
Direct access simplifies the process, letting you take charge of your health without barriers.
California’s direct access laws make it simple to seek physical therapy care. Under these regulations, residents can start receiving treatment from a licensed physical therapist directly without needing a referral from a physician. Here’s how it works:
This accessible approach reduces wait times, helping you get back to feeling your best.
The short answer is no. California law allows self-referral physical therapy, so you can skip the doctor visit and start seeing results right away.
However, if the treatment plan lasts longer than 12 visits of 45 days, your PT will need to obtain a signature from your primary care provider, which includes you receiving an evaluation from them to continue with physical therapy.
We understand that insurance coverage is a primary concern for the types of care many Californians seek. While direct access is supported by California law, individual insurance coverage for direct access physical therapy may vary. Here’s what you need to know:
Rest assured, our clinics can help you verify your insurance benefits ahead of time and ensure there are no surprises. And no matter what, you can always skip insurance entirely and self-pay for physical therapy appointments.
There’s no need to endure joint pain or nagging injuries longer than necessary with California’s direct access laws. Your plan of care may be just a phone call away. Start a conversation with our team by filling out the appointment request form on this page or by calling a SOL clinic near you.