The potential benefits of quick, easy access to physical therapists far surpasses the perceived safety risk.

1. No Freedom to Choose
When to Access Physical
Therapists
Does the Lack of this Freedom in
Healthcare Affect Society?
Selena Horner, PT
@SnippetPhysTher

2. “Because to take away a man's
freedom of choice, even his freedom
to make the wrong choice, is to
manipulate him as though he were a
puppet and not a person.”
― Madeleine L’Engle

3. Consumers in Michigan don’t.
They are required to have a doctor referral
before being treated by a physical therapist.

4. Time Period
Before
Problem Occurs
Episode of Care
After Episode
of
Care
The freedom to access a physical therapist is
limited to an episode of care. Physical therapists
can add value in preventing problems AND in
managing/consulting after an episode of care.

5. Michigan law creates barriers
for physical therapists
to be innovative.

6. Michigan consumers and Michigan physical
therapists have no opportunity to engage in
collaborative efforts to reduce healthcare
costs and improve health/function.

7. Consumers will need professionals to
analyze data from wearable technology.
Consumers can’t access physical therapists
to analyze data or provide consultation.

8. Physical therapists have a role. Michigan law
doesn’t allow consumers direct access to
physical therapists.

9. Saying “No” to direct access
to physical therapists closes
the door to:
• Consumer
Freedom
• Entrepreneurship
• Opportunities to reduce
healthcare costs
via Flickr by verldude

10. Consumer “Safety”
A real safety issue OR a perceived safety issue?
HPSO Physical Therapy Liability 2001-2010

12. Open the door to:
• Freedom
of choice
• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare savings
Say YES to
Direct Access to Physical Therapists