Physical Therapists in New York, NY

What to check before booking a physical therapist

Physical therapists (PTs) evaluate and treat problems with how the body moves. In New York, physical therapy is licensed under Education Law Article 136, and only a licensed person may practice it (section 6732).

• Degree and exam. NYSED lists a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) and the National Physical Therapy Examination among its license requirements. The doctoral-degree requirement took effect on October 25, 2024 (NYSED).
• PT or PTA. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) holds a separate license. Ask who will treat you at each visit.
• What PTs don't do. New York's definition of physical therapy excludes the use of X-rays (section 6731(b)).

To confirm a license, search by name or license number in the NYSED Office of the Professions online verification search, and check that it's current.

Can you see a PT without a referral in New York?

Yes, for a limited time. Under Education Law section 6731(d), a licensed PT may treat you without a referral for up to 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first. The PT must have practiced full time for the equivalent of at least three years. The PT must also give you written notice that your health plan may not cover physical therapy without a referral.

Bills that would remove the referral requirement (A983 and S1717) were in committee in both houses as of October 10, 2026, so the 10-visit, 30-day limit still applies.

What physical therapy costs in NYC

Few NYC practices publish self-pay rates. On October 10, 2026, we found three that list them on their own websites:

• 14 Street Medical in Manhattan quotes $65 per self-pay visit.
• Ascent Physical Therapy NYC charges $250 for a 45-minute initial evaluation and $200 for a 45-minute follow-up.
• Integrative Physical Therapy of NYC in Midtown East charges $175 for a 60- to 75-minute initial evaluation and $125 for a 45- to 60-minute follow-up, private pay. It also lists Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, Meritain and Medicare among the plans it accepts.

Three practices aren't a citywide range, so ask each clinic for its self-pay rate and what a visit includes.

Insurance, Medicare and HSA/FSA

• Private insurance. Each plan sets its own coverage, visit limits and referral rules. Ask your insurer whether you need a referral for PT to be covered, how many visits a year are covered, and whether the practice is in network.
• Medicare. Part B helps pay for medically necessary outpatient physical therapy when a doctor or other qualified provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, certifies the need (Medicare.gov). Ask the practice whether it accepts Medicare.
• HSA and FSA. IRS Publication 969 says HSA withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Publication 502 defines medical expenses as costs to diagnose, treat, mitigate or prevent disease. Keep itemized receipts. See our guide to using an HSA or FSA for holistic care.

Frequently asked questions

How many PT visits can I have without a referral in New York?

Up to 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first, with a PT who has at least three years of full-time practice. After that, you need a referral to continue.

Will insurance pay if I start without a referral?

Not always. That's why New York requires the PT to warn you in writing. Call your plan before the first visit.

How do I check a physical therapist's license?

Use the NYSED online verification search. Check the name, that the license is current, and whether it's a PT or PTA license.

Physical therapist, chiropractor or acupuncturist for back pain?

MedlinePlus lists physical therapy among typical first-line care for chronic pain. For chronic low back pain, the American College of Physicians' 2017 guideline lists exercise and rehabilitation among non-drug options, and also lists spinal manipulation and acupuncture (ACP, 2017). Compare chiropractors in New York City and acupuncture clinics in New York City.

When to see a medical doctor: get care right away for back pain with new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or buttocks, or leg weakness or numbness that is getting worse (MedlinePlus). If back pain comes with new bladder or bowel changes, go to an emergency room right away rather than waiting to reach a clinician (Cleveland Clinic).

Last reviewed: October 2026

Sources

• New York Education Law section 6731 and section 6732 (checked October 10, 2026)
• NYSED Office of the Professions, PT license requirements, 2024 physical therapy regulations notice and online verification search
• Medicare.gov, Physical therapy services
• IRS, Publication 502 and Publication 969 (2025 editions)
• New York State Senate, A983 and S1717 (checked October 10, 2026)
• NYC self-pay rates: 14 Street Medical, Ascent Physical Therapy NYC and Integrative Physical Therapy of NYC (own websites, checked October 10, 2026)
• MedlinePlus, Chronic pain (June 2025) and Low back pain - acute (June 2026); American College of Physicians, low back pain guideline (2017); American Family Physician, acute low back pain (February 2012); Cleveland Clinic, Cauda equina syndrome (updated June 13, 2024)