Skip the Extra Doctor Visit
In New York, you can see a licensed physical therapist directly, without a prescription or referral from a doctor. It is called Direct Access. At Panetta Physical Therapy, that means you can call any of our clinics in Ronkonkoma, Bay Shore, Roslyn or Greenpoint, book an evaluation and start treatment without waiting on a doctor appointment first. Most insurance plans we work with allow it, and we check your benefits before your first visit.
How Direct Access Works
Up to 10 Visits or 30 Days
New York law lets you see a physical therapist without a prescription for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first.
Insurance Checked First
We verify your benefits before your first visit and let you know if your plan needs a referral. Most plans we accept allow Direct Access.
A Short Form at Your First Visit
New York requires you to sign a notice that your plan may not cover care without a referral. It takes a minute and we walk you through it.
Continuing Care
If you need treatment past 10 visits or 30 days, we send your evaluation and progress to your doctor so you can get a prescription and keep going without a gap.
Your Doctor in the Loop
With your permission, we share your evaluation and progress with your primary care doctor or specialist.
Safety Screening
Every evaluation checks for signs that need a doctor’s attention. If we see one, your therapist will tell you and refer you.
When You May Still Need a Prescription
- Medicare: a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant needs to sign your therapy plan of care. You can still call us first and we will coordinate it.
- No-Fault (car accident) claims
- Workers’ Compensation cases
- Some HMO plans that require a referral from your primary care doctor
- Care beyond 10 visits or 30 days
Paying out of pocket? We offer self-pay (cash) rates. Call any of our clinics for current pricing.
Not Sure About Your Plan?
Call any of our clinics. Our front desk checks your specific plan before you come in, so there are no surprises. You can see all the plans we accept on our Patient Info page.
How to Get Started
1. Call or Book Online
Reach any of our clinics or book online. No prescription needed to schedule.
2. We Check Your Insurance
We verify your benefits before your visit and tell you if anything else is needed.
3. Start Your Evaluation
Your first visit is about 60 minutes. Your therapist finds the cause and starts treatment that day.
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Start Without a Referral at Any Clinic
Ronkonkoma
Bay Shore
Roslyn
Greenpoint
Direct Access FAQs
No. Under New York’s Direct Access law, you can see a licensed physical therapist for up to 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first, without a prescription or referral.
Most plans we accept do. Medicare, No-Fault, Workers’ Compensation and some HMO plans have extra requirements. We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know ahead of time.
Yes. We offer self-pay (cash) rates for patients who prefer not to use insurance or whose plan does not cover physical therapy without a referral. Call any of our clinics for current pricing.
If you still need care, you will need a prescription from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. We send your evaluation and progress notes to your doctor to make that easy.
Medicare requires a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to sign your physical therapy plan of care. You can still call us first and we will coordinate with your doctor.
Usually, yes. No-Fault and Workers’ Compensation cases generally need a prescription. Bring it to your first visit along with your claim number and adjuster information.
You do not need to in order to start. Your physical therapist screens for signs that need medical attention at your evaluation and will refer you to a doctor if needed.
Call any of our clinics in Ronkonkoma, Bay Shore, Roslyn or Greenpoint, or book online. Bring your insurance card and photo ID to your first visit.
Ready to Start Feeling Better?
No referral needed to start. Ask about a free 30-minute discovery session at any of our clinics.