Insurance & Access:
How direct access to physical therapy works in Florida
In Florida, you can start physical therapy without seeing a doctor first. Here's what the law allows, where the 30-day mark comes in, and what your insurance may still ask for, so you can book at any of our three Polk County clinics.
Serving Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
The short answer: Can I see a physical therapist without a referral in Florida?
Yes. Florida law lets a licensed physical therapist evaluate you and start a treatment plan without a physician's referral. This is often called direct access, and it applies at all three Core Rehabilitation clinics in Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven.
That means you can call us as soon as something starts bothering you, instead of waiting for a doctor's appointment first.
When a referral or doctor still matters
Florida law lets you start without a referral, but a few situations still call for one, or for a doctor's input:
Your insurance asks for one. Some plans require a referral or a doctor's prescription before they pay for physical therapy, whatever state law says. We check your plan's rules when you book.
Care goes past 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, as described above.
Your problem is outside physical therapy. If your evaluation shows something physical therapy can't treat, Florida law requires your therapist to refer you to, or consult with, a doctor.
You have warning signs such as chest pain, fainting, sudden weakness or numbness, or a fever with severe pain. Call 911 or see a doctor right away.
If none of these apply, you can book your first visit directly.
Insurance: Direct access and your insurance
State law and your insurance plan are two separate questions. Florida law lets you start without a referral, but your plan decides what it will pay for.
We accept more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicare, major commercial insurers, Tricare, workers' compensation and auto/PIP coverage.
We check your plan's rules before your first visit, so there are no surprises.
"What if a doctor has already seen me?"
Bring the referral or prescription if you have one. When a doctor has already assessed the problem, the 30-day review step doesn't apply.
"Will my insurance still pay?"
That depends on your plan, not on state law. We check your plan's rules when you book, before your first visit.
The 30-day rule: What happens after 30 days?
If you need physical therapy beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, Florida Statute §486.021 requires a practitioner of record, such as your physician, chiropractor, podiatrist or dentist, to review and sign your plan of care. If a doctor has already assessed the problem, that step doesn't apply. Your therapist will let you know ahead of time if you'll need it.
Getting started: How to start without a referral
Starting physical therapy without a referral takes a few simple steps, and we handle the insurance check for you.
Call or request an appointment at the clinic nearest you: Lake Wales 863-678-0705, Haines City 863-421-2000, Winter Haven 863-268-6523.
We check your insurance, including whether your plan asks for a referral.
Come to your first visit, a 45–60 minute, one-on-one evaluation. Here's what your first visit involves →
Bring a referral or prescription if you have one. You don't need it, but it helps if a doctor has already assessed the problem.
Care people trust: Physical therapy Polk County has trusted since 2013
Independent, veteran- and physical-therapist-owned, with direct access to physical therapy at all three Polk County clinics.
8,000+
patients treated since founding in 2013
200+
Google reviews across our three clinics
4.9–5.0★
average rating, Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
Core Rehabilitation has been very thorough and has challenged my abilities to progress on my path of recovery. I would highly recommend treatment at this facility.
Tina Lange
via Google
Common questions about direct access
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Florida?
No. Florida law lets a licensed physical therapist evaluate and treat you without a physician's referral. If you need treatment beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, a practitioner of record, such as your physician, must review and sign your plan of care.
Does my insurance need a referral for physical therapy?
It depends on your plan. Some plans require a referral or prescription before they pay, even though Florida law doesn't. Core Rehabilitation checks your plan's rules when you book, before your first visit.
What if physical therapy isn't right for my problem?
If your evaluation shows a problem outside the scope of physical therapy, Florida law requires your therapist to refer you to, or consult with, a doctor.
Can I start without a referral at every Core Rehabilitation clinic?
Yes. Direct access applies at all three clinics: Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about you and your preferred location, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit. Prefer to talk? Call the clinic nearest you.
Lake Wales · 863-678-0705
Haines City · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven · 863-268-6523