The evidence and momentum continue to build for seeing a Physical Therapist first for patients with low back pain. Physical Therapists have continually been shown to be clinically and cost effective providers for low back pain conditions. This approach, direct access to Physical Therapy, has been utilized by large hospital systems and Fortune 500 companies...
Time and money are two finite resources especially in today’s healthcare environment of rising deductibles and decreased access to primary care services. Thankfully in Colorado patients have a choice on who to see first for their muscle, tendon, and joint pain. State law enables Coloradans to see a Physical Therapist without a prior referral. This...
In previous blog posts, we have described the clinical and financial benefits of seeing a Physical Therapist first for treatment of neck or low back pain. Patients who choose Physical Therapy first experience accelerated recoveries with decreased pain and recurrence rates compared to other providers. In addition to the clinical benefits, this patient group is...
Health care costs have continued to outpace inflation each year. Our previous posts have detailed the cost savings associated with seeing a Physical Therapist for many musculoskeletal conditions. In addition to saving health care expenses, Physical Therapy produces excellent outcomes for many musculoskeletal conditions. A recent review article summarized the cost effectiveness of Physical Therapy...
Currently in the United States the majority of citizens can access their Physical Therapist without a prescription from their physician. As shown in the map above, arbitrary restrictions on this access has been put in place through state legislatures with strong influences from special interest groups. In Colorado, patients can access their Physical Therapist without...