Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH
Join Our UW Health Community

Orthopedics and Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy Direct Access

Appointments
 
Direct Access is available at: two  clinics:
 
Sports Rehabilitation at UW Health Research Park: (608) 263-4765
 
Spine Physical Therapy at UW Health Research Park: (608) 265-3341
 
Rehabilitation at UW Hospital: (608) 263-8060
 
Princeton Club East: (608) 265-1221
 
Princeton Club West: (608) 265-7500
 
UW Health physical therapy abides by the regulations of Direct Access, a legal provision in Wisconsin that allows patients to be evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist without obtaining a referral or a prescription from a physician.

Advantages of Direct Access
 
Direct Access provides patients with immediate access to physical therapy services. When appropriate, the patient can schedule an appointment directly, without the need of a physician referral or prescription.
 
Communication with Primary Care Physicians
 
Communication with physicians is essential.
  • Patients should maintain ongoing medical care with their physicians.
  • Physical therapy records are entered into patients' medical records. In addition, reports are sent to patients' designated physicians.
  • Patients will be referred to a physician if the physical therapist determines that a patient's condition requires a physician's evaluation.

Physical Therapist Training 

The UW Health physical therapists that provide Direct Access care have extensive training in evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients' conditions, and can order X-rays to aid in diagnosis, if necessary. They also screen patients to ensure that physical therapy is the most appropriate method of care.

 

Insurance Coverage

 

Determination of coverage is specific to your insurance policy. Contact your insurance company to confirm your benefits. Recipients of Medicare, Medical Assistance and workers compensation need a referral.