Do I need a referral?
That depends. If you are seeking our performance/wellness services, then no, you do not need a referral.
If you are seeking our physical therapy services, then not at first. For physical therapy, California law allows patients to receive treatment without a physician referral for 45 days or 12 visits. However, many insurance companies still require a physician prescription.
When in doubt, give us a call. Then we can guide you or see what your insurance requires before starting treatment.
Patients can also choose self pay, which would negate the requirements of insurance companies.
Can I choose where I receive therapy?
Patients can choose where they receive therapy, even if your doctor writes a script to a different facility. Insurance may restrict where you can receive therapy. To find out if we work with your insurance, please contact us.
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What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who are experts in the field of kinesiology, movement, exercise, and function. Physical therapists evaluate movement patterns, identify the cause of pain, and provide various treatment techniques to reduce that pain and improve or restore function. They also teach how to prevent recurrences or manage a condition so long term health benefits may be achieved.
In addition, physical therapists will work with individuals to improve performance, prevent injury, or loss of function before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
What should I bring to my first visit?
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YOUR GOALS!! We can only reach it if you tell us what it is!
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Prescription from physician
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Insurance information (we will need a copy of your card unless you choose to use our self-pay option)
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Valid ID
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Medication List
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Completed patient information form (download here). If you are unable to print and complete a form, one will be provided for you in the clinic.
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Any other beneficial additional health information (Medication list, imaging reports, operation report, work comp information, etc.)
What can I expect my first visit?
Clients are checked in at the front office to make sure paperwork and insurance information is correct and complete. If your insurance is Medicare, you may have some additional forms to complete, so please come 15-20 minutes early.
The physical therapist will first perform a subjective evaluation. They will ask a series of questions about the reason for seeking care. This includes but is not limited to questions about medical history, pain, functional limitations and goals for treatment. THIS IS WHERE YOU TELL US YOUR GOALS SO WE CAN HELP YOU GET THERE!
Next the therapist will perform an objective evaluation. This is your where we see how you are moving, what's tight, what's not balanced, what needs some strength, etc.
From the evaluation, the therapist will perform an assessment on how the problem can best be treated. A collaborative plan will be developed between the therapist and the patient based on specific impairments found in the individual.
Finally, the fun part...we help you reach your goals through treatment and training. Because a thorough evaluation is crucial to the most effective treatment, this is prioritized in the first visit. After that, visits will be focused on getting your body healthy and strong though individualized exercise prescription, manual therapy, and modalities like IASTM, myofascial decompression, and manual therapy.
What do I wear to physical therapy?
Loose-fitting comfortable clothing should be worn. Think gym clothing. It is important that the affected area can be exposed so the therapist can evaluate that area. This may mean wearing shorts if the problem is a knee, or a tank top for a shoulder problem. Comfortable shoes are also encouraged as treatment includes physical activity.
How long does my physical therapy session last?
The first therapy session lasts about 60 minutes. Subsequent visits are anywhere from 30-90 minutes with the average being around 60 minutes.
How many sessions will I have?
Each individual is different. Therefore, the number of visits is highly variable depending on the goals, diagnosis, medical history, severity of impairments, etc. Some only need one visit, whereas others require months of treatment. We will work with the client and referring doctor to determine a plan that works best for each individual.
Is physical therapy painful?
One of the main goals of therapy is to relieve and prevent pain. However, during treatment pain levels may fluctuate as new mobility and strength is gained. This is a normal response to change, and if we don't change anything, then we can't reach your goals. We help teach you what kind of pain is okay (think sore muscles) and what is not. Good communication between therapist and patient helps achieve the best results with the least discomfort.
How much does it cost?
If you are seeking our self-pay options or wellness/performance services, please call as our rates and packages often change.
If you are using insurance to cover physical therapy, how much it costs depends upon the plan you have. We accept most PPO’s, Medicare, Tricare, and Worker’s Comp claims. Please call to see if we accept your insurance.
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Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
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Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
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For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit:
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