Missouri is one of six states that allow limited direct patient access to a physical therapist. Before you pursue treatment under direct access physical therapy in Missouri, make sure you know these guidelines.
A physical therapist in Missouri may only see direct access patients under the following circumstances:
When the therapist is providing services for educational purposes and training, developing fitness or wellness programs, or providing screenings or consultations.
When the therapist is treating a patient with an injury or condition that could resolve itself without direct access to physical therapy in Missouri, and that patient received the diagnosis within one year or has a chronic illness that has been previously diagnosed by an appropriate healthcare provider.
In this instance, the physical therapist must:
Contact the patient's current healthcare provider within the first seven days of direct access physical therapy in MIssouri.
Not alter any existing PT referrals without the consent of the patient's current healthcare provider.
Refer the patient to an appropriate healthcare professional if the PT determines during the initial evaluation or treatment that the patient’s care goes beyond the direct access physical therapy scope of practice in Missouri.
Refer the patient to an appropriate healthcare provider if he or she does not show any documented progress toward treatment goals within six visits or 14 days.
Notify the patient's current healthcare provider if direct access treatment for physical therapy in Missouri continues beyond 30 days.
The PT must contact the patient’s provider prior to the continuation of treatment.
The PT must provide notification every 30 days.
Direct Access lets you self-refer for physical therapy. No prescription required.
