The Short Answer: No
In Delaware, you have direct access to physical therapy. This means you can schedule an appointment with a licensed physical therapist without first getting a referral from your doctor. You don’t need anyone’s permission to start getting better.
Direct access has been the law in Delaware for years, but many people still don’t know about it. At The Back Clinic, we see patients every week who spent days or weeks waiting for a doctor’s appointment just to get a referral — when they could have come straight to us.
What Is Direct Access?
Direct access means you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist as a first point of contact, without needing a prescription or referral from a physician. Your physical therapist will assess your condition, develop a treatment plan, and begin therapy — often on the same day as your evaluation.
If your therapist determines that your condition requires medical attention beyond physical therapy, they’ll refer you to the appropriate provider. Physical therapists are trained to screen for conditions that need further evaluation.
What About Insurance?
Most insurance plans cover physical therapy, but the specifics depend on your plan. Here are some common scenarios:
Medicare
Medicare covers physical therapy services and does not require a referral. However, you will need a plan of care signed by a physician, which your therapist can coordinate. This is a paperwork requirement, not a barrier to starting treatment.
Private Insurance
Most private insurance plans — including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare — cover physical therapy. Some plans require a referral for coverage while others don’t. Our office staff can verify your benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises.
Workers’ Compensation
If your injury is work-related, workers’ compensation typically covers physical therapy. The process for authorization varies, and our team can help navigate it.
No Insurance?
For patients without insurance or with high deductibles, The Back Clinic offers competitive self-pay rates. We believe that cost shouldn’t prevent anyone from getting the care they need.
Why Start with Physical Therapy?
Research shows that seeing a physical therapist first for musculoskeletal pain leads to lower overall healthcare costs, fewer unnecessary imaging studies, reduced opioid use, and faster return to normal activities. Your physical therapist can often identify and begin treating your condition sooner than going through the traditional referral pathway.
What We Recommend
If you’re in pain, don’t wait. Call our office and we’ll verify your insurance benefits, explain any costs upfront, and get you scheduled — often within a day or two. If a referral turns out to be needed for your specific plan, we’ll help you get it.
We recommend calling our office at (302) 998-4477 with your insurance information handy, or you can schedule your evaluation online. Our staff will take care of the rest.
Getting Started Is Easy
No referral needed. No waiting. Just call The Back Clinic at (302) 998-4477 or book online and take the first step toward feeling better.
