If you’re in pain, you don’t have to wait to receive Physical and Upper Extremity Therapy through direct access to our clinics in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. However, because our clinics span 3 states, each with different laws, it is always recommended that you contact the clinic you would like to visit prior to making an appointment to ensure there are no unexpected surprises in your course of treatment.
We have great relationships with physicians in every community our clinics serve. They trust and refer to Excel Rehab & Sports because they know we think beyond a person’s immediate concerns, achieve superior outcomes, and have state-of-the-art facilities that provide their patients with the best experience from physical therapy.
You may see our physical therapists in TN without a referral for up to 30 days. As required by State law, we will notify your primary care provider at the onset of treatment. We are required by law to refer patients who make no progress to a physician and consult with your physician after 90 days of treatment. We will also refer patients to the appropriate healthcare providers if symptoms or conditions cannot be treated within the scope of physical therapy.
Patients who have been previously diagnosed with chronic, neuromuscular, or developmental conditions who are receiving treatment for symptoms thereof are exempt from these requirements.
In South Carolina, you can receive treatment from a physical therapist without a referral from a medical doctor or dentist for 30 days beyond your initial appointment. Treatment plans extended beyond this period will require a referral or if the condition extends beyond the scope of physical therapy.
In Georgia, you are able to see our physical therapists without a referral for at least 8 visits or 21 days. After this, if you can still benefit from treatment, we will need a referral from your primary care provider. However, there are a few situations in which the limitation does not apply:
Our team will communicate with you as required by State law about the difference between a physical therapy diagnosis and a medical diagnosis from a physician, including the additional tests they might perform that provide additional evidence, as well as the disclaimer that physical therapy services may not be covered by your health plan or insurance.
We understand you may have questions, and our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to call a clinic near you or contact us online today with your concerns and we’ll help you feel confident moving forward with the plan of action that works best for your situation.
