And people think PT is expensive

Direct access for PTs is being pushed heavily by the APTA.  Direct access will not only benefit physical therapy as a profession, it will benefit the consumer.  Don't believe me? Read this experience Rich Karlgaard (scroll about halfway down) had trying to get his son to a physical therapist.  Rich states, "Peter's problem was clear enough to my wife and me... An old flag-football knee injury had hung around too long, which led to muscle atrophy on the injured side. What Peter needed was physical therapy and strength training to build up his weak side."  Too bad it took 3 "specialists" and 2 MRIs (at over $14,000) before Peter could see a PT.   I understand the doctors wanted to be thorough, as muscle atrophy that extensive in an 11 year old is odd, but a physical therapist performing a thorough physical exam could have saved the family both time and money.  Insurance companies take note.