More patients are bypassing their GP to directly see a physiotherapist, according to research from NIVEL's National Information Provision for Paramedical Care (LiPZ).
Direct access has been available since 2006, when about two in ten patients (20%) chose this route. By last year, that figure climbed to 38%, or nearly four in ten.
Who chooses direct access?
Elderly patients are less likely to go without a referral to the physiotherapist or remedial therapist. It's mainly higher-educated individuals with short-term complaints—especially those with low back, neck, or shoulder issues—who visit directly.
On average, they receive two fewer treatments from the physiotherapist than referred patients. Direct access could soon expand to other paramedical professions, like dietitians.
