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wamaciar -> Direct Access In NY state (November 9, 2006 1:54:00 AM)
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Hi Group,
I wanted to pick all of your intelligent brains regarding practice issues in NY under the new direct access to begin in the end of November.
I am in the process of setting up a small gym based private practice in NY state. The opening of my practice has actually coincided quite nicely with NY states achievement of direct access. I have gone back and forth contemplating on whether I wanted to be primarily a cash based practice or to accept insurances. Many of your posts have given me a lot of great information in order to make this decision. I have decided to go the insurance route and have started the whole credentialing nightmare!
I do however anticipate taking a fare share of cash pay patients. My questions…. to make a long story short are geared toward these cash pay patients. I have had many gym members come up to me and ask me when I will be up and running and doing massages. The marketing is definitely in the preliminary phases so I had to redirect them and let them know I will not be doing massages as I am a physical therapist and will be practicing physical therapy. It amazes me that people these days still think of physical therapists as massage therapists and many can’t understand why as a physical therapist I cannot just give them a massage. I let this member know that I as a PT I perform manual therapy techniques based on diagnoses. I think many of the gym members would pay out of pocket for manual therapy services (STM, MFR, trigger point release). Under direct access in NYS
1) Is it in my scope of practice to see these members (cash pay) for “massage” or what I would consider manual therapy, STM, MFR, TP release?
2) Can I only see them for 1 month before having to refer them to an MD for a script?
(I would obviously evaluate, document, and review medical history)
I also see this happening regarding “personal training” of clients. I plan on working closely with the personal trainers in the gym and will not “step on their toes” but I anticipate many gym members would pay out of pocket for my services and exercise expertise.
My quick post turned out a little lengthy…. I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,
Wendy
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