Direct Access to Physical Therapy — A Win-Win for Employers and Employees

Musculoskeletal disorders affect the body movement and are the second most common cause of disability in the world. With a staggering cost of more than US$20B, it creates a huge burden on the economies. Thus, it is essential to look for new and innovative approaches to care. Direct access to physical therapy (DA) is when a patient decides and has the ability to see a physical therapist without a referral. There have been a lot of studies showing better outcomes with this approach – reduction in direct and indirect costs for patients and healthcare systems, reduction in workload for primary care physicians, improved quality of life, and quality-adjusted life years. The body of evidence that DA works is continuously growing. Data have shown that DA is a safe, less expensive, and reliable triage and management model for care, resulting in higher patient satisfaction when compared to the traditional model. There were no adverse events reported in those studies. Here are some of the benefits of DA:

1. Cut Down on Healthcare Costs

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cost U.S. employers $20 billion annually in direct costs and up to $100 billion in indirect costs like lost productivity [[1]](#ref). Direct access PT helps tackle that head-on: - Fewer physician visits: Direct PT access can reduce total healthcare costs by up to 50% per episode of care. [[2]](#ref) - Less imaging and prescriptions: Patients who saw a PT first were 89% less likely to need opioids and had 28% fewer imaging services ordered. [[3]](#ref) When further combined with the digital MSK care program, the cost savings were even more staggering. Digital programs saved an additional $2,025.7 in MSK care annually per person when compared to in-person PT consultations. In addition, digital care had a significant clinical improvement and at least $518 in productivity-related savings per patient at the end of the program.

2. Keep Your Team on the Job

- Workers who accessed PT directly returned to work 8–10 days sooner on average. [[5]](#ref) - Employers report up to 45% fewer lost workdays when PT is integrated early. [[6]](#ref)

3. Prevent Injuries Before They Happen

Physical therapists don’t just treat injuries—they prevent them. With direct access, PTs can perform ergonomic assessments, educate employees on safe movement, and catch small issues before they become big problems.

4. Boost Employee Morale and Loyalty

- 70% of employees say they’re more likely to stay with an employer who offers comprehensive wellness benefits. [[9]](#ref) - Direct PT access shows your organization is committed to proactive health—not just reactive treatment.

5. Strengthen Your Competitive Edge

Direct PT access gives your company: - Lower workers’ comp claims - A stronger recruitment advantage - A workplace culture centered on wellness and performance

Conclusion

Direct access to physical therapy is more than a healthcare shortcut—it’s a strategic investment in your people and your bottom line. Employers who embrace it gain healthier employees, lower costs, and a more competitive edge.