Do You Need a Referral for Physical Therapy in Oregon?
on Friday, April 18, 2025
Here’s What to Know Accessing Physical Therapy Without a Doctor’s Referral
If you’ve been injured or are struggling with chronic pain, you might be wondering: “Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?” In many cases, the answer is no. Thanks to direct access laws in Oregon, patients can begin physical therapy without a physician referral.
At Renew Physical Therapy in Portland, we make it easy for you to begin pain-free, personalized treatment—even if you haven’t seen a doctor first. Whether you’ve been in a car accident, suffered a work injury, or are simply dealing with nagging joint pain, our team is here to help you start healing as soon as possible.
What Is Direct Access to Physical Therapy?
Direct access means that you can see a licensed physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a medical doctor. Oregon is one of many states that allows patients to seek PT services independently, giving you more control over your care.
Benefits of direct access include:
- Faster treatment (no waiting for a referral)
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Earlier intervention for injury or pain
- More proactive management of chronic conditions
Many patients with auto-related injuries, repetitive motion pain, or post-surgical stiffness benefit from starting therapy right away—and direct access helps make that possible.
Does Insurance Still Require a Referral?
While Oregon law supports direct access, some insurance plans may still require a referral for coverage. This varies by provider. Before your first appointment at Renew Physical Therapy, we recommend:
- Calling your insurance company to ask if a referral is required.
- Checking if the specific condition you’re being treated for is eligible for direct access.
- Asking about the number of visits covered under your plan.
Our administrative staff is also happy to help you navigate insurance questions before your visit.
What Conditions Can Be Treated Without a Referral?
At Renew Physical Therapy, we regularly treat Portland patients—with or without referrals—for conditions such as:
- Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Auto accident and whiplash injuries
- Post-operative recovery
- Work-related strains and injuries
- Joint dysfunction and mobility loss
- Dizziness and balance disorders
Our pain-free approach to therapy focuses on hands-on care, movement retraining, and patient education, allowing you to heal effectively and comfortably.
Start Therapy When You Need It—Not Weeks Later
Delaying care while waiting for referrals or appointments can worsen symptoms. With direct access, you don’t need to wait for clearance—you can take the first step toward recovery right now.
If it turns out that a referral is needed for insurance purposes, we can help coordinate with your provider to get everything in place quickly.
Let Renew Physical Therapy Help You Heal
Our mission is to make pain-free, high-quality physical therapy accessible to the people of Portland—when they need it most.
Learn more about our clinic and staff
Call us at 503.928.4914 to book your physical therapy consultation today.
