Understanding Missouri’s New Direct Access Legislation

Did you know you can now see a physical therapist without a referral in Missouri? The recent enactment of Missouri Senate Bill 51 has revolutionized how patients access physical therapy. Missouri has recently enacted direct access legislation, opening up new opportunities for individuals to access physical therapy without a referral. This change signifies a noteworthy improvement in healthcare accessibility within the state. This is exciting for physical therapists in Missouri and has been a long time coming. Keep reading to get the answers to the three most frequently asked questions.

What is direct access?

Missouri Senate Bill 51, effective August 28, 2023, empowers physical therapists with a doctorate or at least five years of clinical experience to evaluate and initiate treatment without requiring a prescription or referral from a healthcare provider. This new law will save people money and allow them to quickly access the care they need. Under the old law, patients had to wait weeks or months to be seen by their physician to get a referral for physical therapy. They had to pay that co-pay and then schedule an appointment with a P.T. and pay again. When people are in pain and need a physical therapist’s help, that delay in care not only causes unnecessary expenses, it can prevent them from getting the care they need when they need it.

What does this mean for patients?

For every individual in Missouri, it means freedom to choose the provider that best suits your needs. It will be a game-changer in terms of allowing us to connect to more patients directly and helping people get the care they need, faster. You can choose your physical therapist based on any reason. Do your research, find the physical therapy practice that best meets your needs, and reach out to them directly, whether they are closer to home, have a shorter wait time, or have a good reputation. Ultimately it means that you can access the medical attention you need without spending extra time and money associated with obtaining a referral. 

What if I need surgery and not just physical therapy?

Under the new law in Missouri, physical therapists must refer patients with certain conditions that go beyond the scope of physical therapy, to see an approved healthcare provider. This also applies to any patient who doesn’t demonstrate improvement within ten visits or 30 days, whichever occurs first.

How can I schedule an appointment? 

To connect with Springer Physical Therapy, all it takes is a quick call to their local office by calling (636) 244-8248. No more waiting for a doctor’s referral – now you have the power to take the first step in your healing journey on your own. The important thing to remember is that they don’t have to wait for a doctor’s referral anymore.

At Springer Physical Therapy, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and restoring movement. With a team of experienced therapists and a range of specialized services, we aim to make a difference in the lives of our patients. Learn more at springerphysicaltherapy.com.