Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral for Physical Therapy in Pennsylvania?
When you wake up with a stiff neck, twist your knee on a run, or tweak your back lifting groceries, the last thing you want to do is wait. You want relief, and you want it now.
For years, patients believed they had to schedule an appointment with their primary care doctor, wait for a referral, and then finally call a physical therapist. By the time they actually received treatment, weeks had passed.
At P.O.W.er Performance Physical Therapy in Monroeville, PA, we have good news: You do not need a script to get started.
Thanks to Pennsylvania’s Direct Access laws, you can bypass the red tape and schedule an appointment directly with Josh Lombardi, DPT. This means faster evaluation, faster treatment, and a faster return to the activities you love.
What Is Direct Access Physical Therapy?
Direct Access is a law in Pennsylvania that allows certified physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients without a referral or prescription from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Think of your physical therapist as a primary care provider for your musculoskeletal system. If it involves your muscles, joints, ligaments, or tendons, you can come straight to us.
Why Choose Direct Access at P.O.W.er Performance?
Choosing to use your Direct Access privileges at our Monroeville office offers three distinct advantages:
- Speed of Recovery Research consistently shows that the sooner you start physical therapy after an injury, the faster you heal. Waiting weeks for a doctor’s appointment can allow scar tissue to build up or cause your body to develop bad compensation patterns (like limping) that lead to other issues.
- Cost Savings By skipping the 'middleman' appointment solely to get a script, you save the cost of a copay and the time taken off work. You go straight to the source of the solution.
- Expert Evaluation by Josh Lombardi, DPT Josh Lombardi isn't just a generalist; he is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a background in functional strength coaching. He holds Direct Access Authorization from the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy, which means he is legally and clinically qualified to diagnose and treat your physical condition.
- Note: If Josh evaluates you and determines that your issue is outside the scope of physical therapy (e.g., requires an X-ray or surgical consult), he can refer you immediately to Dr. Victor Prisk or another specialist within our network.
What Conditions Can We Treat Without a Referral?
You can book a Direct Access appointment for almost any orthopedic issue, including:
- Lower Back Pain & Sciatica: Whether it’s from sitting at a desk or lifting heavy weights.
- Sports Injuries: Ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and runner’s knee.
- Neck & Shoulder Pain: Including 'tech neck' and rotator cuff tightness.
- Post-Workout Soreness/Stiffness: If you pushed too hard in the gym and can't shake the pain.
How Does the Process Work?
Getting started at P.O.W.er Performance Physical Therapy is simple:
- Call our Monroeville office at 412-525-7692 or CLICK HERE.
- Tell us you want to use Direct Access. We will schedule your initial evaluation with Josh Lombardi, DPT.
- Get Evaluated. Josh will assess your movement, strength, and pain levels.
- Start Treatment. In most cases, you can begin treatment (exercises, manual therapy, dry needling) on the very first day.
Important Legal Note regarding PA Law: Your Direct Access treatment is covered for up to 30 days from the date of your first visit. If your condition requires treatment beyond this 30-day window, we will coordinate with your physician to obtain the necessary script so your care continues uninterrupted.
Stop Waiting and Start Healing
SATURDAY PHYSICAL THERAPY HOURS AVAILABLE!
Pain doesn’t wait for a doctor’s opening, and neither should you. If you are in Monroeville, Murrysville, or the greater Pittsburgh area, take control of your recovery today.
Ready to feel better? Call us at 412-525-7692 to schedule your evaluation with Josh Lombardi, DPT today. No script required!
