California PTA Laws Practice Exam

Under Direct Access, the maximum number of visits a patient can have before needing a physician referral is?

1. 10 visits

2. 12 visits

3. 15 visits

4. 20 visits

The correct answer is: 12 visits

Under California PTA laws, the maximum number of visits a patient can have under Direct Access before requiring a physician referral is indeed set at 12 visits. This provision is designed to allow patients to receive physical therapy services without the immediate need for a doctor's referral, thereby increasing accessibility and facilitating quicker treatment for patients in need of physical therapy. The rationale behind allowing up to 12 visits is to ensure that patients can receive a reasonable amount of care and make significant progress in their therapy before needing to go back to a physician for further evaluation. This encourages a more streamlined healthcare process and places some autonomy in the hands of the patient. Understanding this limit is vital for practitioners, as it dictates how they manage patient care and document progress within the designated number of visits. If the treatment extends beyond these 12 visits, a referral from a physician becomes necessary to continue the therapy legally and safely as per the regulations set forth by California law.