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Many P.T.'s in Oregon are licensed to treat without referral.
This designation, called "direct access", means you
can receive treatment from a qualified physical therapist for
up to 30 days without a physicians referral.
To become certified for direct access, your therapist has completed
an 18-hour medical screening course, passed an examination and
completed a required number of continuing education hours. This
certification is renewed every three years. There is also legislation
being introduced to eliminate the 30 day restriction, as physical
therapists are the only ancillary providers who have this requirement,
and yet are equally or more qualified than other non-physician
providers.
Your physical therapist has been thoroughly trained to evaluate
and treat disorders and injuries of the movement systems which
include your muscles, joints, nervous system and connective tissues.
Ask if your therapist is certified to practice without referral
and call to set up your first appointment. At the time of your
first visit, your therapist will help you decide on the course
of action to best recover from your injury, and is trained to
refer you to a physician if there are indicators that your condition
is beyond a straight forward strain. If you have questions, you
can always call our physical therapy clinic, and one of our therapists
can speak with you and guide you in the appropriate direction.
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