Direct access

Direct access — the patient/client directly asks the physical therapist to provide services (the patient refers themselves) and the physical therapist freely decides his conduct and takes full responsibility for it. [1]

Also, the physical therapist has direct access to patients/clients and determines those that need a physical therapy assessment/intervention without referral from a third party.

References

1. European Region World Confederation for Physical Therapy. European Region World Confederation for Physical Therapy Glossary of Terms. Brussels, Belgium: ER-WCPT; 2010.