DIRECT ACCESS - Hobson Institute

Now in the State of Illinois, you do NOT need a prescription for our physical therapy services.

At the Hobson Institute, there are 3 things we want you to know:

We are leaders in the practice of physical therapy. If you are suffering from pain, you can simply call and make an appointment. You no longer need a prescription. We can start your healing program and integrate any specialist or healthcare professional you need.
Hobson Institute is at the forefront of physical therapy, always bringing the cutting edge techniques from around the world to our practice and patients. We have created the coursework to bring new and better therapy practices to Illinois. In 2009, we brought the case for dry needling to Illinois, and in two months, it became accredited!
At the Hobson Institute, we work with the top doctors and specialists in their field. Whenever you have pain, are planning treatment or need an evaluation, our clinicians work seamlessly with your healthcare team to get you back to your best health.

Direct Access to Physical Therapy Expanded to Illinois

The Hobson Institute offers our patients guidance on how to navigate the process for directly accessing physical therapy services under an Illinois law signed August 16, 2018. The Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act allows patients to seek physical therapy without a prescription from a healthcare professional. Previously, Illinois residents were required to have a referral from a physician, dentist, podiatric physician, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant.

As of August 16, 2018, patients in Illinois can go directly to the Hobson Institute or an Illinois-licensed physical therapist for evaluation and treatment. Illinois became the 27th state to allow direct access to physical therapy.

Consumers should note the new Illinois law gives health plans the discretion to allow direct access to physical therapy, but it is not required. Limitations remain for some healthcare policies, including Medicare and Medicaid.

There are also provisions that physical therapists and patients must follow. It is important for patients to consider their healthcare benefits as well as their health plans’ medical policy.

Direct Access may be applied to patients in Illinois with the following health plans: United Healthcare, Aetna, personal injury coverage, auto insurance coverage, out of network plans (excluding Cigna).
At this time, a prescription for physical therapy services may still be needed for patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, Medicaid, Cigna and worker’s compensation coverage.
Medicare continues to require a signed plan of care as a condition of payment and in nearly all instances, a prescription from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

To assure the highest level of accuracy for individual cases, patients should still contact their employer’s healthcare plan to confirm whether a referral is still required, in light of this new law.

It is important for patients to note the law requires physical therapists to report visits to the patients’ healthcare professional within five business days after the first visit for an injury or ailment. The patient will also be referred to a healthcare professional under the following circumstances:

If there is no measurable or functional improvement after 10 visits or 15 business days;
If a patient returns for services for the same or similar condition after 30 calendar days following being initially discharged by the physical therapist;
Or, a patient whose condition is evaluated and determined to be beyond the scope of practice for physical therapists.

Currently, 26 states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands allow patient access to physical therapy services with provisions, similar to what the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act will entail. This means that patients have access to evaluation and treatment with some provisions, such as a time or visit limit, or referral requirement for a specific treatment intervention. Eighteen states allow unrestricted access with no limitations or restrictions whatsoever. Six states have limited patient access meaning limited treatment is available based on the patient population or certain circumstances such as a physician referral or previous medical diagnosis. For more information on physical therapy treatment options by state, visit the American Physical Therapy Association.

For additional resources on the new law, please visit the Illinois Physical Therapy Association website.

Now in the State of Illinois, you do NOT need a prescription for our physical therapy services.

Direct Access to Physical Therapy Expanded to Illinois

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