INSURANCE

Richmond Physical Therapy Insurance and Direct Access

We accept most insurance plans, however; the amounts paid and the amounts of visits allowed are variable and depend on the policy chosen by your employer group. As a courtesy, we check your policy benefits and in most cases can obtain an authorization if required. We do recommend that you check your policy and contact your carrier if you have questions.

Please note that if your insurance company requires a co-payment for services, the payment is required at the time of each visit. If your insurance company requires a deductible and/or co-insurance a flat rate will be collected at each visit to cover these charges. If there is a credit on your account, you will receive a check after your therapy has been complete.

Please call our office at (804) 340-1193 or email admin@richmondpt.com if you have questions.

A few insurance companies we accept:

  • AARP Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • AETNA Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Anthem Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • BlueCross BlueShield Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Cigna Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Coventry Health Care Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Humana Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Medicare Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • MultiPlan Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Optima Health Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • Tricare Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy
  • United Healthcare Insurance Accepted at Richmond Physical Therapy

DIRECT ACCESS

Do I Need A Prescription?

No. Direct Access gives you the right to see your physical therapist directly without a prescription. Regardless, some insurance companies require a prescription to pay for treatment. Click here for details

This is a common question that we, as Doctors of Physical Therapy (“DPTs”), receive while interacting with family, friends, or patients.

The answer is often a surprise to those who are inquiring.  Since the Virginia General Assembly passed a law in 2001, PTs have legally been allowed to see a patient without an order from a physician.  Subsequent revisions to the law in 2007, 2015, and 2023 have further expanded access and given patients more freedom to seek medical care where they so choose. 

That said, there are still some important “rules of thumb” to keep in mind.  These include:

  1. Direct Access is not recognized by all insurance companies:

    For example, all Medicare patients must have an order for physical therapy to continue beyond the initial visit. However, many insurance companies do allow Direct Access, and more are allowing it each year. If you have any questions, contact our office for verification of your status.

  2. Direct Access is UNRESTRICTED IN TIME:

    For most private insurers, you may be seen for as long as needed to meet your goals. This law changed in 2023 and gives patients more freedom to access care as needed.

  3. Notify your PT of other medical practitioners:

    If you are receiving treatment from another medical professional, you have the option to notify that provider.

Keeping the above points in mind, physical therapists can and do provide valuable care to patients who are suffering from musculoskeletal injuries. PTs undergo specific training in a doctoral program, or through required advanced training, to determine whether or not your problem is truly due to a musculoskeletal condition.  If your condition is determined to be beyond the scope of physical therapy care, your physical therapist will refer you to the appropriate medical professional.

As health care in the United States has evolved, physical therapy Direct Access has been implemented to provide patients with an additional treatment option. Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts and can assist patients with a speedy recovery after injury. 

If you have any questions about Direct Access or a musculoskeletal injury, please contact our office by phone at (804) 340-1193 or email at admin@richmondpt.com to speak directly with one of our physical therapists.