GBU S2-E27: Direct Access in Physical Therapy: A Great Idea Patients Still Don’t Use

Direct access to physical therapy is often framed as a win for patients—faster care, lower costs, and fewer unnecessary steps. And in many ways, it is. But only when it’s used the right way.In this episode, we break down what direct access in physical therapy actually means, when it works extremely well, and where it can go wrong. We’ll discuss why physical therapists are trained to screen for red flags, refer out when needed, and practice within clear clinical boundaries—contrary to the idea that direct access means “no rules.”More importantly, we tackle the bigger issue: why patients still don’t understand or use direct access, even in states where it’s been legal for years. Is it lack of education? Insurance confusion? Physician-first conditioning? Or has healthcare done a poor job explaining what physical therapists really do?This episode is for patients who want quicker, smarter care—and for clinicians frustrated that one of the profession’s biggest advantages is still flying under the radar.#PhysicalTherapy #DirectAccess #DirectAccessPT #ChoosePT #PTLife #DoctorOfPhysicalTherapy