Direct Access in California: anyone using it in the clinics yet?

[Asparagus06]

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Legally, as of January 1st, 2014 patients can now see their physical therapists without a diagnosis or referral. So far, the CPTA reports that UnitedHealthcare and Medicare have stated that direct access will be covered while others (i.e. Blue Shield, Anthem, etc.) are still in the works, and HMOs will need to set their own policies (http://www.ccapta.org/associations/9137/files/DirectAccessFAQs.pdf). For those with their own PT clinics, have you been able to incorporate direct access into your care yet? And if so, how have you done this? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Azimuthal]

CPTA continues to mislead. CA has had limited "direct access" for some time. It's still limited, albeit changing as Medicare will reimburse without need for referrals (yay!). But perhaps they are trying to deter the attention of private PT clinic owners from the rollout of AB1000. The main differences now are the legal stakeholders in PT services (CA PTs can now be employed by any profession under The Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act), increase from 30 days and xx visits to 45 days or xx visits before requiring a physician to approve a continued plan, and changes in the patient disclosure form. I'm glad Medicare and 3rd party payers are seeing the light.

However, it is what it is. Private PT clinics better up their game for the increased competition. There are too many patient mills around anyways. Let those who strive for the best patient outcomes remain.

 

[Asparagus06]

Our "direct access" has definitely been limited before this and was pretty much nonexistent. However, I am not too concerned about rumors of being mislead or even about the other tenets of AB 1000. I was just curious if, now that it has passed, anyone has made use of it in their clinics yet.