The Massachusetts Model: Opportunities or Challenges for PTs

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ARTICLE IN BOSTON GLOBE

THE WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE

May 29, 2009 9:00 AM - Many legislators and policymakers are looking toward Massachusetts as the model for federal health care legislation. The state has seen a rise in the number of residents who report having a steady source of health care due to its "near-universal" plan, according to a recent study published in the policy journal Health Affairs. However, there are drawbacks as well. Increasing numbers of residents are saying they cannot afford needed care or cannot make an appointment with a primary care physician, because demand for care from the newly insured has been met with an insufficient supply of doctors.

Perhaps this is an opportunity for physical therapists, who could help alleviate this burden by seeing patients directly. Among the policy provisions that APTA is urging be included in any national health care reform package is the elimination of the unnecessary referral requirement or certification of the plan of care for patients to access outpatient physical therapy services. This barrier to patient access delays care and adds additional costs for patients and the health care system.

CT currently has direct access for physical therapy; a referral from a physician or health care provider is not required.