Did you know that patients can now attend physical therapy without an order from a physician? On June 6, 2016, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed SB 291, which gives physical therapists the authority to treat patients for 30 days without a physician’s referral or previous medical diagnosis. If no objective progress is noted during this timeframe, we are obligated to refer you to a physician for further examination.
Improving patient access to physical therapy is beneficial to individuals
for several reasons. Evidence has shown that giving patients direct
access to the physical therapist is cost, effective, as patients who begin
physical therapy sooner from their initial injury require less visits and total
cost than those who begin later. This also reduces frustration patients
have from waiting days or, even weeks, to see a physician before physical
therapy is prescribed. Studies have shown that direct access to physical
therapy is safe and allows patients more control of their own recovery.
At Integrity, we are very confident in the care we provide, and we are also aware that physical therapy isn't appropriate for every patient. While we do our best to make sure every patient reaches his or her goals, we also realize physical therapy isn't always the "be all and end all" treatment for pain and discomfort. We work closely with many local orthopedic, neurological, and vestibular specialists and would be glad to refer you to the appropriate professional who would best meet your needs if it is evident to us that you are not a good candidate for physical therapy as a treatment option.