If you’re dealing with pain or mobility issues, getting started with the right care quickly is key. Fortunately, both Texas and New Mexico are Direct Access states for Physical Therapy, meaning you can take charge of your well-being without a referral. Skip the doctor visit, avoid unnecessary delays, and start your recovery today.
Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas law allows direct access to physical therapy for up to 30 consecutive days without needing a doctor’s referral. Under the previous law, effective until August 31, 2025, Physical Therapists can only treat patients without prior authorization for up to 15 business days in some cases, and 10 in others. These time limits depend on the particular PT’s qualifications, so until August 31, it may be necessary to ask how long you may see your specific Physical Therapist without a referral.
After September 1, licensed physical therapists in Texas can evaluate and treat patients directly, but after 30 calendar days of care, a referral is required for further treatment. This expanded access puts your health in your hands, letting you take control of your recovery with less red tape.
When you see one of our PTs through direct access, we will provide a State-mandated waiver that states the following:
For those who visit our Las Cruces clinic, New Mexico state law applies and is different than Texas’ direct access laws.
New Mexico allows up to 30 days of treatment without a referral. As long as you’re making progress toward healing/improving, you can keep seeing your physical therapist beyond this time frame. However, if progress has stalled, you will need to see your primary care provider at the end of this period.
Exceptions to this time limit apply for treating chronic conditions, providing wellness services, or maintaining function that is within the scope of physical therapy.
The simple answer is no. You do not need a doctor’s referral before your initial evaluation or for your first 30 days of treatment. Physical therapists in Texas are specially trained to assess your condition and provide the appropriate care. If further medical evaluation is needed, they’ll make the right referral for you. This means more streamlined care and faster results.
Many commercial insurance plans cover direct access physical therapy services, but this coverage varies by plan. It’s a good idea to check with your provider for details about your policy.
Similarly, New Mexico’s direct access coverage for programs like Worker’s Compensation and Medicare likely requires a referral from approved physicians or healthcare providers. We always recommend checking with your commercial or employer-sponsored health plan prior to coming for an appointment, which we can help verify. New Mexico Medicaid requires physician orders for physical therapy.
Our team is happy to help you verify your insurance benefits before your first visit, so you know exactly what to expect. In any case, you are always welcome to self-refer and self-pay to ensure you get exactly what you are seeking from physical therapy treatment.
Direct access empowers you to take charge of your health in a way that’s effective, convenient, and patient-focused. Your time is valuable, and your health deserves immediate attention.
Why wait? If pain or discomfort is holding you back, don’t delay treatment. We’ll help you understand and work with your insurance coverage so you don’t have unexpected bills when choosing Border for your care.
No matter what questions you may still have, our team is happy to help. Start a conversation with us by calling a Border clinic near you or by requesting an appointment using the form on this page.
