Do I need a referral from my primary doctor in order to work with PT?
Montana is a ‘direct access’ state for physical therapy. This means that you have a right to access PT care without a referral. For this reason, a referral is not always necessary in order for you to work with PT. The across the board exception to this rule applies for those patients who are being treated following a work injury. Otherwise, each insurance company/ plan has its own regulations regarding physician referrals. If you would like your insurance to pay for physical therapy services, it is important for you to contact your insurance company directly. Verify whether or not a referral is necessary for PT benefits to be paid out. If insurance is not available, you do not need a referral.