A physical therapist is allowed to treat a patient without a physician referral through direct access.
At HSS, direct access examinations are appropriate for the following orthopedic nonsurgical injuries or concerns:
During the initial examination, the physical therapist will assess needs and determine the next steps for the patient care plan. The therapist will arrange a referral to a physician if needed.
We have several locations that provide direct access examinations. Please call the locations directly or call our Direct Access Help Line at 1.800.493.0039 for assistance.
HSS Orthopedic Therapy Center
535 East 70th Street, 2nd Floor
212.606.1213
HSS Midtown Rehabilitation and Performance
770 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor
646.618.7777
HSS Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center
525 East 71st Street
646.797.8005
HSS Rehabilitation 75th Street
405 E. 75th Street (between 1st and York Ave)
646.714.6850
HSS Westchester Rehabilitation
1133 Westchester Ave
914.821.9300
HSS Paramus Rehabilitation
140 East Ridgewood Ave
201.559.8000
Direct access is meant to increase accessibility to a qualified physical therapist so that individuals can be evaluated quickly and determine next steps for care.
Every state in the United States, including the US Virgin Islands, currently allows some level of direct access. States do impose varying levels of restriction to direct access. In New York State, a patient is allowed to see a physical therapist via direct access for up to 10 sessions or 30 days (whichever comes first) from the day of the initial examination.
Learn more about direct access from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
At HSS, a prescription for physical therapy is needed if a person:
The first step is to call 1.800.493.0039 or complete our online form.
If direct access is an appropriate option, we will do our best to schedule an examination within a timely manner.