Utah Makes History: Direct Access to Physical Therapy Is Here! 🎉

Share Post

ChatGPT Image Aug 12 2025 09_29_36 AM

Big news is coming out of the Beehive State! Utah has just made history! With the passage of Bill 196, physical therapists are now officially recognized as primary care providers.

What does that mean for you? It means fewer hoops to jump through, less money spent, and faster healing when you need it most. And here’s the best part: Utah is the very first state in the nation to make this change.

Why This Is a Game Changer

Until now, most people had to start with a primary care doctor just to get a referral before seeing a physical therapist. That process often meant extra appointments, extra costs, and extra delays before getting the care you really needed.

Bill 196 changes that. Now, you can go straight to your physical therapist, no referral required.

What This Means for You

Direct Access: You can see a physical therapist without waiting for a doctor’s referral.
Lower Costs: Skip the unnecessary appointments and save money.
Faster Recovery: Start treatment right away so you can get back to living your life.
Empowered Decisions: You choose your care provider, and your recovery stays in your hands.

Make an appointment with us today!

Why Primary Care Physical Therapy Works

Physical therapists are movement experts trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions from back pain to sports injuries to post-surgical rehab.

We don’t just treat the problem we help you understand it, guide you through recovery, and teach you how to prevent it from coming back. And because we’re trained to spot red flags, we’ll refer you to the right medical specialist if your condition needs different care.

This approach helps reduce strain on the healthcare system and keeps you moving forward.

Before vs. After Bill 196

Before:

  1. You hurt your knee.

  2. Schedule a doctor’s appointment.

  3. Wait a week (or more) for the visit.

  4. Get a referral to a PT.

  5. Schedule another appointment.

  6. Finally start treatment sometimes weeks later.

Now:

  1. You hurt your knee.

  2. Call your physical therapist directly.

  3. Start care right away.

It’s that simple.

A Step Toward Our Vision

This change aligns perfectly with our vision:

“A primary care physical therapist for everyone to advance healthcare and empower movement for life.”

Bill 196 is a major leap toward making high-quality, efficient, and patient-focused care accessible to everyone in Utah.

How to Take Advantage of Direct Access

  1. Notice pain, stiffness, or movement limitations.

  2. Reach out to your physical therapist directly.

  3. Begin treatment, no referral, no waiting, no hassle.

Let’s Celebrate This Win Together

Utah is leading the way in modern, patient-centered healthcare. By giving you direct access to physical therapy, we’re breaking down barriers, speeding up recovery, and putting your health back in your hands.

Here’s to faster care, stronger recovery, and a healthier Utah powered by movement!

Read the full bill here.

Make an appointment with us today!

Start your healing today!

Recent Posts

10 Years Strong: The Mountain Land Running Summit Returns to Park City in 2025

This September, the Mountain Land Running Summit celebrates a remarkable milestone, its 10th ...

See Inside Your Shoulder: How MSKUS Can Speed Your Recovery

Shoulder Pain That Just Won’t Quit? If shoulder pain has crept back into ...

Shin Splints After 40? How Physical Therapy Helps You Keep Running

You’ve laced up. You’re motivated. Then, bam. Shin pain? If you’re over 40 ...

Pregnancy & Postpartum: Why Moms Are Turning to Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy offers pregnant and postpartum women a safe, gentle, and effective way ...

Yard Work Without the Aches: How Physical Therapy Can Help You Recover and Prevent Pain

Yard work and gardening are fantastic ways to stay active and enjoy the ...

Is Your Running Form Holding You Back? How Physical Therapy Can Prevent Injuries and Improve Performance

Running Doesn’t Have To Be Painful Did you know that nearly 80% of ...

Our Redwood Clinic Is Now Open!

We’re thrilled to share that our brand-new clinic in Salt Lake City on Redwood ...

Do You Really Need Physical Therapy After a Car Accident? Here’s What the Science and Experience Says:

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you might be asking yourself: ...

A Fresh Start in Syracuse: Same Team, New Location!

We’ve got exciting news to share 🎉 Our West Point clinic has a ...
Search