Do I Need to See a Doctor Before Starting Physical Therapy?
Everything You Need to Know About Direct Access Laws in Georgia
We see it more often than we’d like: patients delay their physical therapy care because they don’t want to get a doctor’s referral first. As a result, they spend more time living with pain or mobility restrictions, and treatment sometimes takes longer than it would have otherwise.
Worse, it’s often not even necessary to delay care like this, as Georgia law gives you another option! Our state’s Direct Access laws allow you to see a licensed physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without seeing a doctor first. And that includes the team at Back in the Game Physical Therapy.
What Is Direct Access?
In Georgia, Direct Access allows eligible physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients without a physician’s referral for up to eight visits or 21 days, whichever comes first.
In some cases, this time may be enough to resolve your complaint. If it’s not, our team can help you obtain the appropriate referral so you can continue your care uninterrupted.
Our physical therapists have extensive training in evaluating orthopedic conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries. That includes recognizing when an issue falls outside our scope of practice, in which case we can refer you to the appropriate medical provider.
Either way, you get the care you need as quickly as possible.
Understanding the Role of Insurance
That said, it’s important to recognize that Direct Access is about Georgia state law. Your insurance plan may still require a physician’s referral before it will pay for physical therapy services. For example, Medicare generally requires physician involvement to establish the plan of care for outpatient physical therapy services.
Don’t worry, though. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your coverage before your first visit. There are generally possible scenarios depending on your insurance plan:
- You may begin treatment immediately, no referral required.
- Your insurance may require a physician referral before benefits apply.
- Your therapist may begin your evaluation and help coordinate any referrals needed for covered care.
Visiting Back in the Game Physical Therapy Without A Referral: What to Expect
The first step in any physical therapy program is determining why your symptoms developed and how they affect your daily life, so we can create a custom care plan. That doesn’t change if you’ve skipped the referral.
Step 1: Understanding Your Condition
We’ll kick things off with a detailed conversation about:
- Your specific goals for recovery, such as returning to sport or walking with less pain
- Your symptoms and how they started
- Previous injuries or surgeries
- Your medical history
Step 2: A Comprehensive Physical Assessment
We also want an in-depth look at what’s happening throughout the body, not just the affected area. This helps us more easily pinpoint any contributing factors you might not have considered. Depending on your symptoms, we might:
- Measure joint mobility
- Assess muscle strength
- Evaluate posture
- Watch how you walk
- Test balance and coordination
- Identify movements that increase or reduce symptoms
If we think additional testing or imaging is required, we can let you know and order any necessary tests.
Step 3: A Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we’ve finished your evaluation, we’ll explain our findings, answer any questions you have, and develop a personalized treatment plan that blends several treatment techniques, including hands-on care, targeted exercises, and functional training.
Remember, under Direct Access laws, you can continue working with us for 21 days or 8 sessions, whichever comes first. During those additional sessions, we’ll continue to monitor your progress, including looking at any improvements in strength and mobility. As your needs change, we’ll update your treatment plan and provide you with home exercises so you can continue your rehab outside the clinic.
And if the deadline hits, we’ll help you get your physician’s referral so you can continue to work with us.
Start Your Care Without Unnecessary Delays
We know that getting a physician’s referral can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s often a step you can avoid entirely. With Direct Access, you can often receive a detailed evaluation and begin your care sooner than you would otherwise.
If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or other musculoskeletal concerns, contact Back in the Game Physical Therapy directly. Our experienced physical therapists will help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Trey Short
PT, DPT • Clinic Director
Trey earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of North Georgia in 2018 after completing his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Georgia Southern University.
He enjoys treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic injuries and has a special passion for helping athletes safely return to the sports and activities they love. Trey is trained in manipulative therapy and is certified in dry needling (CIDN), allowing him to provide advanced, evidence-based treatment options.
Outside the clinic, Trey enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. In his free time, you’ll often find him playing tennis with his wife, golfing with friends, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.
- Georgia Southern University
- B.S. Exercise Science
- University of North Georgia
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Orthopedic Injuries
- Sports Rehabilitation
- Blood Flow Restriction
- Dry Needling (CIDN)
- Spinal Manipulation
- Champion Performance Specialist (C-PS)
Patient Success
“I had a great experience at Back in the Game! I bring my mom to her therapy 3 times a week. The entire team is professional and welcoming, but I especially want to recognize Patty. She truly goes above and beyond to make every visit a positive one. Patty is always incredibly friendly, helpful, and makes you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. Her positive attitude and genuine care really stand out, and she’s a big reason why the place feels so welcoming. Honestly, she’s the best asset that makes you want to keep coming back (aside from the great therapists, of course). Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for excellent physical therapy and amazing staff!”
– Alejandro
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Are you passionate about helping patients get back in the game? We’re growing and looking for dedicated physical therapists and team members to join us.
If you—or someone you know—are interested in building a rewarding career in a supportive, patient-focused environment, we’d love to connect.
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View Open PositionsClamshells (Exercise Band)
How to Do It
Lie on your side with your knees bent and your feet together. Position an exercise band just above your knees. The side you want to strengthen should be on top. Keeping your feet together, slowly lift your top knee away from your bottom knee as far as you comfortably can without rolling your hips backward. Pause briefly, then slowly return to the starting position with control.
Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Vegetables
This simple sheet pan dinner is packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken, potatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini on a large sheet pan.
- Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the vegetables to coat, then place lemon slices over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon, if desired.
