In a historic move for healthcare accessibility and innovation, Utah has become the first state in the U.S. to officially recognize physical therapists (PTs) as Primary Care Providers. This advancement follows the passage of Senate Bill 196 (The Practice Act) in early 2025, expanding the scope of practice for licensed physical therapists across the state.
This designation allows PTs to act as the first point of contact for patients seeking care—particularly for musculoskeletal issues—without the need for a physician’s referral. It’s a major step forward not just for physical therapists, but for the entire healthcare ecosystem in Utah.
What This Means for Patients in Utah
1. Faster Access to Care
No more waiting weeks, or even months, for a referral. Patients can now go directly to a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment, streamlining access to care and getting you back to doing what you love, faster.
2. Lower Healthcare Costs
Skipping the referral process and avoiding unnecessary imaging or specialist visits can significantly reduce the cost of care. Early intervention from a PT can often prevent conditions from worsening and becoming more expensive to treat.
3. Better Outcomes Through Early Intervention
Studies consistently show that early physical therapy leads to better outcomes, especially for conditions like back pain, joint issues, sports injuries, and post-operative recovery. When care starts sooner, recovery tends to be quicker and more complete.
4. Empowered Preventive Care
Physical therapists are trained to not only treat injuries but also identify risks and guide patients through lifestyle changes to prevent problems before they occur. This proactive approach is central to patient-centered healthcare and long-term wellness.
5. Improved Continuity and Coordination of Care
As Primary Care Providers, PTs can now play a larger role in coordinating a patient’s healthcare journey. From referring out to specialists when needed, to managing long-term recovery, this holistic oversight enhances the quality and consistency of care.
What This Means for Canyon Sports Therapy Patients
At Canyon Sports Therapy, this change empowers us to more fully serve as partners in your health. We’re now able to:
- Evaluate and treat patients immediately, with no delay or detour.
- Educate patients on injury prevention, mobility, and recovery as part of routine care.
- Serve as a trusted first step when you’re not sure where to start with a movement-related issue.
- Offer comprehensive assessments of your physical function, strength, balance, and flexibility.
As always, our focus remains on personalized, evidence-based care that gets you and keeps you healthier, and now we can do that with less barriers.
Utah Is Setting the Standard
Utah’s proactive step sets a powerful precedent for the rest of the country. Recognizing physical therapists as primary care providers validates the value of PTs in delivering efficient, effective, and compassionate care.
We believe this marks a new era in healthcare – one where patients are empowered, access is improved, and care is more collaborative than ever before.
As this model evolves, we’ll continue to be at the forefront, advocating for the best outcomes and best experiences for every patient we serve.
Questions?
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or just want to assess your physical health, you can now reach out to us directly. No referral needed. Let’s develop a plan to help you move better, live stronger, and recover faster.
