DIRECT ACCESS

You do not need a prescription to start caring for yourself!

What is Direct Access?

Direct Access is a law in NYC and many other states allowing patients to seek treatment from a physical therapist without the need for a referral from physician, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. This law provides you as an individual the freedom and control over your health to choose a preferred outpatient clinic for treatment for your ailments for physical therapy, allowing your treatments to begin sooner rather than later.

How is this possible? 

Physical Therapists (PTs) have trained and specialized in the screening for signs of injury and will refer to the appropriate medical professional if necessary. Empower Rehab can refer you to an appropriate medical professional as needed, if it is deemed outside of the scope of practice of the treating physical therapist.  

Does my insurance cover my Physical Therapy under direct access? 

Most commercial insurances cover direct access for physical therapy, but this is not guaranteed by every insurance policy. At Empower Rehab, prior to the initial visit we will perform an insurance verification and confirm if the insurance policy you have does in fact cover direct access. If your plan does not and requires a PT referral, we will communicate this with you. Unfortunately, currently all patients with Medicare coverage require a referral for physical therapy services.   

New York State Laws for Direct Access:

Since 2006, New York State (NYS) physical therapists have been able to treat patients without a referral for 30 days or 10 visits, whichever comes first. Prior to doing so by law the treating physical therapist must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience and a current NYS Physical therapist (PT) license. After 30 days or 10 visits if further physical therapy treatments are necessary NYS law requires you to obtain a referral from a doctor to continue treatments from a physical therapist. 

We Accept Most Major Insurances: 

1199SEIU National Benefit Fund
Aetna 
Affinity Health Plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Emblem Health (HIP/ GHI/ Connecticare)
FDNY/ NYPD 
Fidelis Care
HealthFirst 
MetroPlus Health Plan
Medicare 
Medicaid
No Fault
United Health Care
Workers Compensation

For more information on your coverage, feel free to give us a call.

No Insurance No Problem:

Initial Examination: $120.

Follow Up Visit: $70.

Discounted Packages:
5 session: $325.  
8 sessions: $480
10 sessions: $550.