Did you know that YOU have the right to choose your physical therapist? When you get a physical therapy prescription from your physician, you can visit any provider you like. It’s common for the physician’s office to recommend a provider if the office is familiar with or has an affiliation with that provider. The choice is yours. You can either visit the provider recommended by your physician, or any other provider that you feel comfortable with.
Did you know?
Most states, including Texas, allow the patient to see a physical therapist without a physician’s prescription. If you don’t know whether you need a prescription, don’t worry. Just call our office and we’ll get the answer for you.
Some insurance policies may require a visit a physician Choose Your Physical Therapistbefore they will reimburse for physical therapy or try to require you to use ‘preferred providers’ only. If you elect to pay cash for services this does not apply. This is something you can discuss with our patient rep when you call.
Your physician may advise you to visit his or her own in-office physical therapy facility or one that is run by a large hospital. You can do so, or research and use an independent physical therapist in private practice – the choice is yours.
Physical therapy can only be provided by a licensed Physical Therapist.
You should feel the improvements of a physical therapy program within 4-6 visits for most conditions, if not you need to be re-evaluated and your therapy program adjusted.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) requires its members to abide by the Association’s Code of Ethics. This ensures that they are committed to providing competent and compassionate care.
Choosing The Right Physical Therapist For You
As a consumer, you have the opportunity to research your physical therapy provider before you make a decision. After all, you want to feel comfortable with your decision. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when choosing your physical therapist:
Any physical therapist you choose should be licensed by the state he / she is practicing in.
It may be convenient for the physical therapy clinic to participate with your specific insurance company and plan. Ask them and they will find out for you also ask if they a cheaper cash option for you. In some instances, paying cash for out of network services is cheaper than in-network co-pays and deductibles. Make sure their staff can answer all your financial questions.
Your insurance company should be able to verify how many visits they allot for your particular problem and be able to tell you if you have a co-pay. You should also ask whether or not you have met your insurance deductible amount. We know a lot of clinics do this for you; however, this can lead to new headaches, as the insurance company is not obligated to give the providers accurate information. If you have been hit with an unexpected bill from previous therapy situations this may have been the case. CALL your insurance and get your physical therapy co-pay, deductible, and any maximums. I guarantee this will save you in the long run.
Ask the physical therapist’s clinic to help you determine what you will be responsible for financially. Do not settle for financial ambiguity! Understand your financial commitment.
Your First Visit – What To Expect
Your first visit to your physical therapist office will include a detailed initial evaluation. This evaluation will help the therapist to identify any dysfunctions and discuss your goals.
Once your physical therapist has evaluated your condition, they will be able to design a plan of care that specifically meets your needs. If you have certain concerns or goals, make them known at this time so your therapist understands what you are expecting from your visits. As a part of the program design, expect a treatment timeline with realistic goals. This timeline may be changed as you progress, depending on how well your body responds to treatment.
Valeo PT Alter-G treadmill
Along with regular visits to your therapist’s clinic, you should receive a home exercise plan (HEP) and an outline of activities to modify in order to take strain off the healing tissues. This is the most important part of your treatment and will facilitate faster recovery, so stick with the program, the Magic happens at home!
Always speak openly with your therapist if you have any concerns or limitations. As your physical therapists, we will work with you closely and help you recover as quickly as possible. For additional questions call Michelle or Jenny at 281-488-5877 and check out our website www.ValeoPT.com. Physical Therapist’s help you Move…It Heal’s You!
