In the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) most recent article all physical therapists are celebrating a major victory that could transform how physical therapists (PTs) provide care in the military. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has announced plans to implement system-wide direct access to PTs as primary care providers for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This decision positions PTs as key players in improving care for military personnel—and the impact could ripple far beyond the military.
What Does This Mean?
Under this new system, PTs will act as the first point of contact for patients with neuromusculoskeletal issues—conditions like back pain, joint injuries, and other muscle-related problems. The DOD’s report, which analyzed this move, concluded that expanding the role of PTs across all its facilities is not just possible but also beneficial.
“It is entirely feasible for physical therapists to serve in a primary care role throughout the DOD,” the report states, emphasizing that PTs already have the credentials and training to succeed in this capacity.
Why Is This Important?
Direct access to PTs isn’t new in the military. For over 20 years, PTs have been primary providers in select programs like the DOD’s Direct Access to Physical Therapy initiative. However, until now, this approach hasn’t been applied system-wide. The DOD’s findings show that broadening access is safe, effective, and cost-saving.
Some of the expected benefits include:
- Better Patient Outcomes: Patients see faster recovery times and improved results.
- Cost Savings: A past study at Joint Base Lewis-McChord showed $3.6 million in reduced costs when patients accessed PTs first for musculoskeletal care.
- Increased Military Readiness: Prompt care keeps troops healthy and prepared.
How Did This Happen?
APTA and its Federal Affairs team advocated for this change, pushing for a study that examined the feasibility of system-wide PT access. Their efforts paid off when the findings were incorporated into the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
The phased rollout will begin immediately and is expected to reach all DOD-related settings by the end of 2025. During this time, the DOD will track data on utilization, patient outcomes, and cost savings to refine and support the program.
What Does This Mean for Civilians?
This milestone isn’t just about the military. According to Brian Allen, APTA’s congressional affairs specialist, the success of this initiative could pave the way for similar advancements in the civilian healthcare system.
“The value in seeing a PT first, both in terms of cost and outcomes, has been well established within the military health system,” Allen said. “We’re confident the results will help make the case for a larger role for PTs in civilian healthcare.”
Learn More
For more information about how physical therapy saves costs and improves outcomes, check out APTA’s study on the economic value of physical therapy.
This is a win for PTs, a win for patients, and a step forward in transforming healthcare—military and beyond!
