Direct access provides patients with a fast, effective way to see a qualified physician and start on the road to recovery.
At CORA, we are committed to reducing the number of hurdles between you and the care that you need. That’s why we embrace direct access, which gives you the right to see a physical therapist without first receiving a referral from another physician.
Direct access has existed for decades and been available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands since 2015. Despite that, it wasn’t until the coronavirus struck that its true value was realized.
Why is that? Direct access offers a safe, fast and effective means to connect directly with highly trained staff therapists in the convenience of your own home or workplace. And if our therapists can’t help resolve your aches and pains, then they’re prepared to make recommendations for additional support as determined by your personal needs.
Telehealth Makes Major Leaps
Pre-pandemic, direct access telehealth services (both over the phone and video calling) were employed by just 4% of the U.S. population. In March, when most states issued lockdown orders, telemedicine usage grew by tenfold and another fourfold on top in April.
No longer just a matter of convenience, in many instances, it was the only way to see a qualified physician and get patients on the road to recovery. Telehealth also helped to protect some of the most at-risk COVID patients, including people who are elderly and/or obese.
Even as a vaccine becomes available and life returns to normal, telehealth is expected to continue providing care for more than 20% of all medical appointments. Telehealth is no longer a second option. The pandemic has pushed telehealth front and center as a way for healthcare professionals to connect and serve the needs of patients safely and effectively, especially during times when it may be more difficult for you to schedule an appointment with your primary physician.
Telehealth is Here to Stay. Direct Access is a Win-Win.
CORA is leading the way into the future for patients in need of direct access physical therapy, whether that appointment is conducted virtually or at one of CORA’s 200+ physical therapy clinics. We also offer therapy in the patient’s home, which might be perfect for your situation.
Here are the top four ways in which direct access removes barriers, benefitting patients like you:
- It Saves Time: Time spent waiting is time that could be spent healing. Instead of scheduling visits with multiple doctors to confirm what you already know, you can expedite the process and start with the care that you need. Getting started is as easy as booking an appointment online, requesting an appointment at your convenience. Thanks to CORA’s robust network of physical therapists, we can find options that fit your schedule.
- It Gives You Options: CORA clinics are committed to the highest standards of health and hygiene, but we understand that every patient’s circumstances are unique. During COVID, direct access cuts down on the number of office appointments that you need to gain approval, and gives you the ability to conduct secure conversations, remotely. Even in non-COVID times, studies show that direct access services also result in fewer office visits and hospital admissions than those arranged via physician referral.
- It Saves Money: Addressing your injury with a general practitioner can lead to more co-payment charges, diagnostic steps and additional costs before identifying the root cause. Whether your injury is nagging or acute, new or longstanding, CORA’s team of physicians specializes in identifying the problem and optimizing your care. Studies have also found that when a patient receives therapy services first, it decreases the need for costly imaging and medications.
- It Speeds Your Recovery: Research indicates that direct access patients generally have better outcomes at discharge and achieved it in fewer visits than those referred by physicians. Patients also reported a higher degree of satisfaction with therapy through direct access.
Post-COVID Recovery Programs at CORA
By the start of 2021, more than 1-in-16 Americans had tested positive for COVID-19, making it likely that you or a loved one has already contracted the virus. Far more have suffered the physical consequences of a change in lifestyle, including weight gain and injuries caused by increased stress, reduced physical activity and less access to fresh food.
To mitigate those effects, CORA developed two state-of-the-art programs to help rehabilitate or pre-habilitate your body: Post-Acute COVID Recovery and Deconditioning. Like all of our services, each program will be tailored to meet the needs of each specific client.
The Post-Acute COVID Recovery program is designed to help any recovering COVID patients rebuild their stamina and conditioning, especially as it relates to lung performance.
The Deconditioning program is available to anyone in search of ways to regain or increase strength and aerobic opportunities. Not only is the program designed to prepare people to return to normal life and healthy routines, but it also counteracts weight gain, which research has shown to be one of the deadliest comorbidities for those who contract the virus.
PT That’s Tailored To Your Needs
No matter how you prefer to receive care, CORA is committed to delivering services at the highest possible quality. Many of our physical therapists have doctorate degrees. All therapists at CORA have been accredited through a national board exam and are currently licensed by the states in which they practice.
Having trouble deciding? Please contact our clinic nearest you, or reach out to our dedicated telehealth team at coravision@corahealth.com with any questions so we can get you started on your road to recovery.
