Your Journey Begins Here

• Please arrive with your paperwork completed (available on our website). Bring your referral if you have one—referrals are not always required. We will also make a copy of your physical insurance card.

• You will meet with your physical therapist for an initial evaluation. During this visit, the therapist will review your medical history, current concerns, pain levels, daily limitations, and your goals for therapy, as well as any relevant medications or tests.

• The therapist will then perform a physical assessment, which may include checking movement, strength, posture, nerve function, and areas of tenderness.

• Based on this evaluation, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan with you, outlining visit frequency, length of care, home exercises, goals, and what to expect after therapy.

• In California, direct access means you can see a physical therapist without first getting a referral from a doctor.

• You may receive physical therapy for up to 45 days or 12 visits (whichever comes first) without a physician’s referral. During this time, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and begin treatment if it is safe and appropriate.

• If you need care beyond that limit, your physical therapist must obtain a referral or communicate with a physician to continue treatment.

• Direct access allows patients to start care sooner, which can reduce pain, improve recovery, and help avoid further injury.

• Insurance coverage may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check your specific plan.

You should wear loose-fitting or athletic clothing to expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, wear a loose-fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.

• Physical therapists help people move better and feel less pain. They treat injuries, help patients recover after surgery or stroke, and improve strength and movement so people can return to daily activities.

• Physical therapy also helps prevent injuries. Physical therapists work with workers, athletes, and active individuals to improve movement and avoid future problems.

• Treatment includes exercise, hands-on care, and education to help patients manage pain and stay active. Only licensed physical therapists provide this care. Most insurance plans cover physical therapy, and many patients can start without a doctor’s referral.

• Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor's office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

• The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Workers' Comp, or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.

• Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.

• The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule.

• An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.

• The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.

• It is important to understand that there are many small steps (beyond the outline provided above) within the process. Exceptions are common to the above example as well. At any time along the way, information may be missing, miscommunicated, or misunderstood. This can delay the payment process. While it is common for the payment process to be completed in 60 days or less, it is not uncommon for the physical therapy clinic to receive payment as long as six months after the treatment date

• We require 24 hours notice before cancelling an appointment. If you cancel within that 24 hour period, you are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. 

• If you do not show up to your appointment you are subject to a $75 no show fee.