Why may direct access physical therapy improve healthcare value?

• A. It delays treatment
• B. It has no impact on utilization
• C. It may reduce imaging, injections, surgery, and downstream healthcare utilization
• D. It always increases costs

Answer: (C)

Direct access physical therapy can improve healthcare value by enabling early, guideline-consistent, conservative care for musculoskeletal issues without needing a physician referral. When patients start with PT, many problems improve through targeted exercise, manual therapy, and education, which can reduce the need for costly downstream services. This often leads to fewer imaging tests, injections, and surgical referrals, cutting overall costs while preserving or enhancing outcomes. It’s not true that direct access delays treatment or has no impact on utilization, and it doesn’t inherently raise costs—studies show potential reductions in downstream utilization and overall costs.