Direct Access

Texans Now Have Direct Access to Physical Therapy!

On September 1, 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Texas’ new Direct Access bill, HB 29, making Texas the 49th state to pass direct access legislation. What this means to you is that you now can visit a physical therapist for treatment without a healthcare practitioner's referral.

The new law removes the previous barrier that only allowed physical therapists to evaluate but not treat without a referral or doctor's order. Now, you can go directly to a physical therapist to get the care you need without the long wait times and unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses at a doctor's office just to get a referral for physical therapy. According to a study by Health Services Research, total health care costs for patients who had early access to physical therapy were less than half the total costs paid by those who waited three months to a year to visit a PT.

Many conditions are successfully treated by hands-on treatment and individualized exercise programs provided by your physical therapist. Painful and expensive surgeries can be put off and sometimes even eradicated altogether. Plus, physical therapy has been known to reduce and sometimes even eliminate the need for dangerously addictive painkillers. Physical therapists are also highly trained in identifying conditions that might need further evaluation or medical treatment and can include primary care physicians when needed.

Direct Access to Texas Physical Therapists provides many benefits, including but not limited to:

This will give you much quicker access the treatment you need and deserve.
While each patient case is different, clinical research shows that Direct Access typically saves you money.
Physical therapy visits last 30-60 minutes so your condition is thoroughly evaluated.
Seeing a physical therapist first, in many cases, will result in fewer overall treatment sessions.

There are also guidelines and restrictions* for direct access to physical therapy treatments in Texas, which include:

Treatment without a referral for up to ten (10) consecutive business days for a physical therapist with a doctoral degree in physical therapy or who has completed a minimum of thirty (30) continuing competence activities in the area of differential diagnosis.
A PT with a doctorate degree in physical therapy who has completed a residency or fellowship can treat for up to fifteen (15) consecutive business days without a referral.
To treat without a referral the PT must have been licensed to practice physical therapy for at least one (1) year and must be covered by professional liability insurance.
Before treatment can exceed the authorized number of days, a referral must be obtained from a qualified healthcare practitioner.

*HB 29 amends provisions of Section 453.301, Occupations Code (PT Practice Act).

Please note: some insurances may not pay for direct access/self referral and are subject to private pay rates.

For more information, click here.

Promotion Physical Therapy takes pride in 100 percent of their therapists having advanced physical therapy degrees at the Doctorate level. We treat everything from back pain to workplace injuries, headaches and balance issues. By utilizing the most effective, efficient, and beneficial physical therapy treatment techniques; we help you not only get better but also get better FASTER! We have extended clinic hours to fit your busy schedule Monday - Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Saturday by appointment.

We accept almost all insurance plans.
Medicare and Workers' Compensation are always welcome.
You will always be seen by the same Physical Therapist for one-on-one, individualized, continuity of care.