Imagine that you recently got an MRI. Your surgeon says you’ll need physical therapy.
Or maybe the urgent care doc handed you a referral slip after you rolled your ankle on a Keystone trail.
Either way, PT is happening — and right now, you get to decide where you go for treatment, regardless of what is prescribed.
Did you know that you can have a say in that outcome?
Most patients take the first referral their doctor prints without asking any questions. But where you do your PT matters, so you can always ask for the PT clinic you want.
In Colorado, you have the right to choose your physical therapy clinic. And when PT is recommended by your doctor, you can ask for Axis.
Do You Have the Right to Choose Where to Get PT in Colorado?
Colorado is a direct access state for physical therapy. That means you can see a licensed physical therapist without a doctor’s referral at all — you can call Axis Sports Medicine directly and get started.
That said, many insurance plans, Medicare, Tricare, workers’ comp, and motor vehicle accident cases still require a physician’s order for PT to be covered. But even when a referral is required, you can always request that it be sent to your preferred clinic.
You are not locked into whatever clinic your doctor’s office typically uses. Patients can request a referral to a specific provider, and practices are happy to accommodate that request. What matters is knowing how to go about the process.*
Does Your Choice of PT Clinic Matter?
Physical therapy is where you spend the most face-to-face time recovering. We like to tell our patients that PT isn’t a passive process — it is the real work that leads to short- and long-term success.
And the quality of that experience, the expertise of your therapist, and how well the clinic understands your goals and lifestyle can impact those outcomes.
If you live in Summit or Eagle County, you’ll want to choose a clinic that works with mountain sports injuries.
When you choose the right clinic, you can trust that they’ll come from a place of extensive medical knowledge combined with treatments aimed at mountain lifestyles:
- Therapists who specialize in the specific injury or surgery you are recovering from
- One-on-one care instead of a high-volume environment where you are handed a sheet of exercises and left alone
- A location that is convenient enough that you actually keep your appointments
- A team that already works with local surgeons and knows your post-op protocol
At Axis, our team of physical therapists is trained to treat a variety of PT needs, whether you’ve been injured outdoors or are just going about your everyday activities. That expertise and personalized care matter.
When Should You Speak Up for Physical Therapy Preferences?
There are a few natural moments in any care journey where PT comes up — and those are your windows to ask for a preferred clinic or practice by name. Do not wait to be offered a choice, and be ready to advocate for yourself at any point:
- Before or after imaging results, when your doctor starts talking about next steps
- Pre-op appointments before knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle surgery — ask about post-op PT before your procedure
- Discharge conversations after an ER or urgent care visit for a ski or snowboard injury in Summit or Eagle County
- Sports medicine or primary care visits when pain has been ongoing and PT is on the table
The rule is simple: anytime someone mentions physical therapy, that is your cue. Say you’d like to go to Axis Sports Medicine, and name your preferred location — Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, or Avon.
Exactly What to Say When Advocating for Your Preferred PT
If you have never done this before, asking your doctor to route a referral somewhere specific can feel awkward. It is not. Doctors appreciate it when patients know what they want.
Here are a few scripts for the most common situations – which you can customize as needed depending on your needs:
First mention of PT:
“When you write the referral for physical therapy, I’d like it sent to Axis Sports Medicine in [Breckenridge / Frisco / Silverthorne / Avon].”
If staff push back:
“I understand that. I’d really prefer Axis Sports Medicine — they’re local, they focus on sports injuries, and they’re convenient for me in Summit County. Can you send the referral there instead?”
If the referral is already printed:
“This referral says another clinic. I’d prefer to go to Axis Sports Medicine.”
Please know that if you already have a PT script from another clinic, we can still accept that prescription at any of our Axis locations in Summit or Eagle County.
For visitors after an injury
“I live near Breck and need PT. I’d like to go to Axis Sports Medicine — can you send the referral there?”
If you only remember one thing from this article, remember to ask for Axis by name. Our patients have found that a single sentence gets the right referral in the right hands – and can save you quite a bit of time!
Common Questions About Choosing Your PT
Can I choose which physical therapy clinic I go to after my doctor recommends PT?
Yes, you can! Colorado law allows you to request that your referral be directed to the clinic of your choice. Subject to your insurance plan rules, you can ask for Axis Sports Medicine or any other preferred clinic by name. You can also always choose to private pay for physical therapy.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Colorado?
Colorado is a direct access state, meaning you can often see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral. However, many insurance plans — including Medicare, Tricare, and workers’ comp — still require a physician’s order for coverage. You can contact Axis to confirm before your first visit.
How do I ask my doctor to send PT to Axis Sports Medicine?
Say this: “When you write my PT referral, please send it to Axis Sports Medicine in [your preferred town].” That’s all it takes! Most offices will accommodate the request without hesitation.
Why People in Summit and Eagle County Ask for Axis
Axis Sports Medicine has been locally owned and therapist-operated since 2012 – and we’re proud to be one of the region’s top-trusted clinics for some time now.
Every clinic is staffed by advanced-certified physical therapists who treat mountain athletes, post-op patients, workers, and active families across Eagle and Summit County.
Our team collaborates directly with local orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians, so they already know the protocols. When you arrive at Axis after a referral from a local provider, you will not be starting from scratch — they will be ready for you.
Ready to Get the PT You Actually Want? Let’s Chat
Tell your doctor you want Axis Sports Medicine, then reach out to our team to confirm your insurance, schedule your first appointment, and get on the path back to the activities you love.
Step 1: Tell your doctor, “Please send my PT referral to Axis Sports Medicine.”
Step 2: Contact Axis to confirm your insurance and schedule your first visit.
Step 3: Bring your referral (if required) and any imaging to your first appointment.
Want to learn more? Contact our team today! We can’t wait to see you and help you get back to doing what you love.
*This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. The team at Axis can help you understand your specific coverage before your first visit. Always consult with your insurance provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
