CAN A PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN WISCONSIN EVALUATE AND TREAT A PATIENT WITHOUT A REFERRAL?
With regard to physical therapy referrals, Wisconsin is considered a Direct Access state. A written referral is not required for the following physical therapy services related to the work, home, leisure, recreational and educational environments: conditioning, injury prevention and application of biomechanics and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with the exception of acute fractures or soft tissue avulsions (Ch PT 6.) Per Wis. Stat. s. 448.56 a written referral is also not required if a physical therapist provides services in schools to children with disabilities, as part of a home health care agency, to a patient in a nursing home or to an individual for a previously diagnosed medical condition after informing the individuals health care practitioner who made the diagnosis.
