Unlocking Direct Access: Your Guide to Pediatric Physical Therapy in Florida 

Did you know you don't have to wait for a doctors referral to see a physical therapist due to direct access in Florida. 

What Is Direct Access?

Direct access means you don't need a physician's referral to start pediatric physical therapy for your child. You can take the initiative and reach out to a licensed physical therapist directly. Direct access to physical therapy is permitted in Florida for 30 DAYS. After this 30 days, a practitioner of record must sign the plan of care. It's all about making care more accessible and convenient for your little and big. As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to reach out to a licensed pediatric physical therapist directly, without the need for a physician's referral. We know that many times it takes weeks even months to get in with a referring provider, and then even more time to get an appointment with a therapist. That time is valuable and time you could spend kickstarting your child’s care.

It's all about putting you in control of your child's healthcare journey and preventing delay of care! 

Per FL Statue-Chapter 486.021 (11) (a): "(a) A physical therapist may implement a plan of treatment developed by the physical therapist for a patient or for a patient by a practitioner of record or by an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under s. 464.012." If physical therapy treatment of a patient is required beyond (30) days for a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record, the physical therapist shall have a practitioner of record review and sign the plan.

A Practitioner of Record includes: 

-Medical Doctors or Physician Assistants 

-Osteopathic Physicians

-Chiropractors

-Podiatrists

-Dentists 

Why Choose Direct Access?

1. Faster Care:  No need to wait for a referral; you can get started sooner. Faster care can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for your little or big. 

2. Convenience: It's all about making the process simpler for you, the parent/caregiver. This saves you time waiting to get in with your provider and the headache of trying to figure out the system. 

3. Empowerment:  You have the freedom to choose the care your child needs. As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to reach out to a licensed pediatric physical therapist directly, without the need for a physician's referral. It's all about putting you in control of your child's healthcare journey.

How Does It Work?

1. Reach Out: Contact our licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy directly to schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation call so that we can get an idea of how to best serve you and your family. 

2. Assessment: We'll evaluate your child and determine areas for growth. 

3. Personalized Care: We develop and individualized plan tailored to address your child's unique areas of strengths and areas of growth.

4. Start the Journey: Begin your child's path to moving easier, living better and shining brighter! 

No more waiting, no more barriers. We're dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care that meets your child we’re there at. We believe no goal is too big or too small. All individuals can SHINE, and we're here to help!