No. With most insurances you are able to directly access a physical therapist without a referral from a physician or other health care practitioner. If you have a problem that may benefit from the skilled services of a physical therapist, you may come in for an evaluation right away to stop pain in its tracks. Direct access to physical therapy is exciting because it allows you to get the care you need right away, without the unnecessary delay of waiting for a doctor’s appointment and referral.