Direct Access Physical Therapy in California

Faster Relief and Care Without the Wait

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.

Key Benefits for You

Direct access to physical therapy in California is all about putting you, the patient, first.

  • No referral needed – Start your recovery immediately, without waiting for a doctor’s permission.
  • Quick pain relief – Get the care you need faster, avoiding delays in treatment.
  • Convenient PT scheduling – Request appointments quickly on your schedule.
  • Cost savings – Skip the added expense of extra doctor visits before beginning physical therapy.
  • Faster recovery – Early intervention means addressing pain or injuries sooner, improving outcomes and returning to your daily life more quickly.

Direct access simplifies the process, letting you take charge of your health without barriers.

Overview of Direct Access Physical Therapy in California

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:

  • Following an initial evaluation, patients can receive care for up to 45 days or 12 visits (whichever comes first) without obtaining a doctor’s approval.
  • If treatment needs to continue beyond this timeframe, your physical therapist will work with a physician to ensure seamless ongoing care.
  • Exceptions apply for wellness services or school plans (such as IEPs), which are not subject to these restrictions.

This accessible approach reduces wait times, helping you get back to feeling your best.

Do I Need to See a Doctor Before Physical Therapy?

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. 

Does Insurance Cover Direct Access Visits in California?

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:

  • Many private insurance plans cover physical therapy without a referral. Contact your provider for specifics.
  • Medicare often requires a doctor’s certification for extended care or specific treatments, so checking requirements is essential.
  • For workers’ compensation, rules differ. Consult your case manager to clarify what is covered.

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.

Take the First Step Toward Relief Today

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.