Californians Take One Step Closer to Directly Accessing Physical Therapy Services for Immediate Treatment

Californians Take One Step Closer to Directly Accessing Physical Therapy Services for Immediate Treatment

Physical Therapists Push for Passage of SB 924 by Dr. James M. Syms, PT, DSc, ATC, SCS, President, California Physical Therapy Association

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "California physical therapists are pleased the members of the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee recognize the value and importance of Senate Bill 924 (SB 924) to consumers.

"SB 924, sponsored by the California Physical Therapy Association, would improve appropriate access to health care services for millions of Californians who often experience delays and unnecessary costs by being unable to access timely physical therapy treatment.

"Currently, patients seeking physical therapy services are denied direct access to treatment by the physical therapist of their choice unless they obtain a physician's diagnosis first. This often translates into the patient enduring needless pain while waiting for treatment as well as duplicative visits to physician offices for the same condition that a highly-qualified physical therapist can treat. SB 924 will correct this problem in the health care system bureaucracy and provide access where it makes sense and is much needed.

"Physical therapists are experts in human function and mobility and are required to undergo rigorous education and clinical training to examine, evaluate, classify impairments for and treat patients. However, physical therapists holding these credentials are restricted from using their skills. With the passage of SB 924, California would join 36 states that already allow some form of direct access to physical therapists, including all Western states and Hawaii.

"SB 924 is a safe and common-sense approach to improving health care delivery while saving costs. On behalf of consumers, California physical therapists will continue to push for the passage of this essential bill."

SOURCE California Physical Therapy Association

California Physical Therapy Association

CONTACT: Heather Pino, Executive Associate, Membership & Communications, +1- 916-929-2782


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