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Direct access
Choose your profession and state in Your lens above, and this page answers for you first.
At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorWithin scopeChiropractors are first-contact providers: chiropractic laws let them examine, diagnose and treat patients who come to them directly, and require referral elsewhere when chiropractic care is not appropriate.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistWithin scopeEvery state and DC allows patients to see a physical therapist without a referral for evaluation and treatment, though some states still attach conditions, such as visit or time limits, to treatment without one.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistVaries by stateWhether an occupational therapist may treat without a referral depends on the state: some now allow it for a limited number of visits or days, while others require a referral to treat a medical condition.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerNot typicalAthletic training laws tie practice to a physician, through direction, standing orders or written protocols, so athletic trainers do not practice independently of one, even though they routinely see athletes without an individual referral under those protocols.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistWithin scopeClients see massage therapists without a referral; massage laws ask the therapist to judge whether massage is advisable and to refer elsewhere when it is not, though a few states require a referral for specific modalities.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
Direct access means you can book an appointment with a physical therapist, chiropractor or other clinician yourself, without a doctor's referral. Every state allows it for physical therapy in some form, but some limit how long treatment can continue without one, and insurers may still ask for a referral to pay.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical therapist | Direct access | The term APTA and state physical therapy laws use |
| Chiropractor | First-contact or portal-of-entry provider | How chiropractic laws position chiropractors |
| Across professions | Self-referral | Used in research literature |
What the bodies say
Check your state
Find your licensing board
Get licensed links to the board for each profession in each state, so you can read its rules or ask it directly.
Go to Get licensedState-by-state detail
This topic varies enough between states to warrant a state table, with the statute and board for each cell.
Research
Terms on this page