What is direct access?
Direct access allows patients to see a physical therapist without an order
from a medical provider.
Historically, when someone sustained an injury, an appointment with a primary
care practitioner was required. That provider would then refer the individual
to rehabilitation services; and that is when an appointment with a physical
therapist could finally be made. Because the time it takes to work through
this process is valuable time that could be better spent in treatment,
direct access is now being made available.
This process eliminates the need for extra steps to be completed before
patients can receive the help they need. The sooner physical therapy is
started, the quicker patients can get back to being their best. That is
why Mile Bluff's rehabilitation services team is excited to offer
this convenience.
Who is direct access for?
This most benefits those who experience muscle injuries such as the softball
player who twists a knee, the gardener who hurts his/her back, the hiker
who sprains an ankle, or the volleyball player who strains a shoulder.
Direct access is not meant for those who have issues that are associated
with a major condition (stroke, lymphedema, etc.) that may require more
long-term assistance.
Although the hope is to have this convenience available to all who would
benefit from it, direct access is only covered by certain insurance carriers
at this time. Currently, Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage
for direct access.
Why choose Mile Bluff?
Having the option of direct access is one reason to choose Mile Bluff.
Another big benefit to rehabilitation patients is the fact that their
therapists, medical providers and other specialists are on the same care
team...and are often right in the same building. If an individual needs
to be seen by a specialty physician, or receive an X-ray or other diagnostic
testing services, comprehensive care is conveniently available to them
all in one place.
In addition, there is data to back up the fact that Mile Bluff's rehabilitation
services exceed national averages in terms of patient outcomes and satisfaction.
According to the Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes national reporting portal,
Mile Bluff's team is the best of the best. Nationally it takes an
average of 12.42 visits for patients to reach their therapy goals, but
at Mile Bluff, it takes patients an average of just 9.25 treatments to
do the same. Additionally, when measuring patients' improvement in
function from the start of therapy to discharge, Mile Bluff patients report
18.27 points of improvement, which is nearly two full points above the
national average.
Not only is Mile Bluff helping to achieve results for patients more quickly
than other therapy centers across the nation, Mile Bluff's patients
are having better outcomes as a result of their therapy as well! This
then, leads to the fact that 98.94 percent of patients report on surveys
that they would gladly 'tell a friend' about Mile Bluff's
rehabilitation services.
Call today
Direct access to Mile Bluff's physical therapy services saves you
time and money by cutting out the need for extra appointments. The rehabilitation
services team can get you in quicker, help you feel better faster, provide
you with better outcomes, and deliver exceptional service. For more information, visit
rehabilitation services, or call 608-847-1422. Rehabilitation services are available in Mauston,
New Lisbon and Lake Delton.