Direct Access

Direct Access to Physical Therapy in South Carolina: What You Need to Know

You no longer need a physician’s referral to begin physical therapy in South Carolina. Thanks to an important legislative update, patients now have unlimited direct access to physical therapy services. That means you can see a licensed physical therapist and continue care without being forced to stop after 30 days.

What Changed?

Previously, South Carolina law allowed patients to receive physical therapy without a referral, but only for up to 30 days from the initial evaluation. After that, a referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant was required to continue treatment.

In 2024, House Bill H.3687 removed that 30-day limitation. Now, you can start and continue physical therapy under the care of a licensed PT without needing a referral—unless your condition requires medical management beyond the scope of physical therapy.

Benefits of Direct Access Physical Therapy

Direct access gives you faster, more affordable care. Instead of waiting to see a physician or specialist, you can begin physical therapy as soon as you’re injured or in pain. This can lead to faster recovery times, reduced health care costs, and improved outcomes.

Key Benefits:

• No referral or prescription required
• Immediate scheduling with a licensed physical therapist
• Avoid unnecessary imaging and specialist visits
• Most insurance plans—including commercial and Medicare Advantage—cover physical therapy without a referral
• Early intervention often prevents chronic pain and long-term complications

At Vertex PT Specialists, we verify your insurance coverage before your first visit, so you’ll know what’s covered upfront.

Is Direct Access Safe?

Yes. All physical therapists at Vertex PT are Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) trained to evaluate your condition and identify any red flags that would require referral to a physician. If at any point your therapist determines that your condition needs medical attention outside the scope of PT, you’ll be referred to the appropriate provider.

Research consistently shows that self-referral to physical therapy is safe, cost-effective, and results in equal or better outcomes compared to physician-referred care.

Will Insurance Cover Direct Access?

In most cases, yes. If Vertex is in-network with your insurance provider, then your plan will typically cover physical therapy services under direct access. There is no added cost for choosing to self-refer, and your benefits apply the same way they would if you had a referral.

If you’re unsure, just contact our office and we’ll verify your coverage before your first appointment.

How to Get Started with Physical Therapy

Starting care is easy. Just give us a call or fill out our contact form. We’ll schedule an initial evaluation where your physical therapist will assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and recommend a personalized plan of care.

Whether you’re dealing with an injury, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain, physical therapy is a smart, effective place to begin your recovery.

Take control of your health today. With direct access now fully open in South Carolina, there’s no need to wait for a referral. Contact us to schedule your evaluation and get started on the path to better movement and long-term results.