Californians Step Closer to Benefiting from Direct Access to Physical Therapist Services

Californians Step Closer to Benefiting from Direct Access to Physical Therapist Services

Patients Benefit from California Physical Therapists' Push for AB 1000

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Patients seeking physical therapist services may have the choice to directly access treatment by a physical therapist of their choice if AB 1000 continues in the right direction. The California Assembly Business, Profession and Consumer Protection Committee passed AB 1000 out of committee, supporting a consumer-friendly bill affecting health care services for millions of Californians. Sponsored by the California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA), AB 1000 would improve appropriate access for Californians who often experience delays and unnecessary costs by being unable to obtain timely physical therapy treatment.

Currently, patients seeking physical therapist 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.

Dr. James Syms, PT, DSc, ATC, SCS, president of the CPTA, issued this statement:

"Californians took another big step closer to being able to directly access physical therapist services for immediate treatment.

"We appreciate the support from members of the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee for AB 1000, a bill focused on patients receiving appropriate, timely and affordable care.

"AB 1000 supports the calling of health care reform to improve choice and access to cost-effective services, such as physical therapist services.

"AB 1000 will save costs by streamlining the delivery of health care services, eliminating costs associated with unnecessary visits to physicians, delays in treatment and extra co-payments and promoting the efficient use of highly trained, qualified medical experts.

"Consumers from 36 states already benefit from direct access to physical therapists, including all states surrounding California.

"The continued support of AB 1000 is critical to ensuring patients receive appropriate, timely and affordable health care services."

SOURCE California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)

California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)

CONTACT: Heather Pino, Executive Associate, Membership & Communications, CPTA, (916) 929-2782


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