Indiana is one of 26 states that allow direct patient access to physical therapy. Keep in mind the following provisions that govern how patients can leverage the benefits of direct access for physical therapy in this state.
When practicing via direct access physical therapy in Indiana, a qualified physical therapist must:
Evaluate and treat the patient for no more than 24 calendar days, starting on the initial date of service, without a referral.
If the patient requires additional treatment beyond direct access physical therapy in Indiana, the physical therapist must obtain a referral from the appropriate healthcare provider.
Obtain an order or referral from a physician, osteopath, or chiropractor when physical therapy treatment in Indiana involves spinal manipulation. The referring provider must have conducted his or her own examination of the patient before issuing the order or referral.
The APTA defines “spinal manipulation” as “a method of skillful and beneficial treatment by which a physical therapist uses direct thrust to move a joint of the patient’s spine beyond its normal range of motion, but without exceeding the limits of anatomical integrity.”
Obtain an order or referral from a physician, osteopath, or podiatrist in the case of sharp debridement in order to treat through physical therapy in Indiana.
The APTA defines “sharp debridement” as “the removal of foreign material or dead tissue from or around a wound, without anesthesia and with generally no bleeding, through the use of: (A) a sterile scalpel; (B) scissors; (C) forceps; (D) tweezers; or (E) other sharp medical instruments...to expose health tissue, prevent infection, and promote healing.”
Direct Access lets you self-refer for physical therapy. No prescription required.
