What does direct access mean? It means that you as a patient, can access PT without a referral. In other words, you do not need a prescription from your doctor to receive out-patient physical therapy. This is an important consumer right because it enables you to seek out the care you want to receive based on criteria important to you.
What should you be looking for in a PT? Well, some of the very basics (but still important factors) are location and cost. If you require therapy services, 1-3 times per week, having a conveniently located PT clinic near work or home removes a lot of the stress around getting there. And does that clinic accept your insurance? If not, you may be paying out of pocket more than you expected.
Keeping location and cost in mind, I think it is still most important to find a physical therapist that is skilled in the area in which you need help and has the training to help you get better faster. We don’t just take our cars to any old mechanic or garage, you ask for referrals and read reviews to make sure other people have had a good experience there. Why would you go just anywhere to take care of your health? There are good and bad PT’s out there and you don’t want to end up at the latter’s office.
Have you had a good experience at Holistic PT? Make sure to tell your friends and family so I can help them too!