PHYSICAL THERAPY
PATIENT
INFORMATION
What Should You Expect On Your Initial Visit?
Customized Treatment Plan Development
Your first appointment will be about an hour long and is an introduction to our treatments here. Our doctors of physical therapy use this time to gather information about your condition and past medical history, perform a series of tests and measures, and come up with an individualized treatment plan that gets to the root of the issue. When we place you with one of our specialists, they will be with you through your entire plan of care and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Rehabilitation Goal Setting for Optimal Recovery
What we ultimately want is for you to reach your goals, so we use this first session to map out specific targets for you to achieve along the way. We make the goals together so that we develop the most effective treatment plan for you. At this time, we will also answer any and all questions you may have about insurance and financial restrictions, other medical questions, or any additional concerns. We are on your team and your number one advocate.
Shared Expectations and Commitment to Success
At the end of your visit, your physical therapist will write everything down including how often you should come, how long the average physical therapy sessions will be, what you should be achieving at each target, and if a home exercise program is being given. We call this a plan of care and we refer to these often along your journey. We expect a lot from you because we expect just as much from ourselves.
You should begin to notice improvements in your condition in the first two weeks. That is a great sign but it is just the beginning. If you don’t continue to put the work in to strengthen and fix the problem, it will return.
We look forward to seeing you and can’t wait to take this journey with you.
GET A STEP AHEAD!
Please download and fill out our new patient paperwork prior to your first appointment. This allows you to take full advantage of your allotted time with your therapist.
How to prepare for a
physical therapy appointment
Loose Fitted Clothes
Make sure to wear or bring clothes such as shorts or baggy pants, t-shirts, and sneakers so your therapist has access to the area they need to treat.
Insurance Card/Photo ID
Bring your insurance card and state photo identification. If your injury is related to a No Fault accident or Workers Compensation case, bring all relevant information including case number and claims adjuster.
Prescription
If you saw a doctor prior to your first visit, bring your prescription to your initial visit. Check your insurance to see whether you need a referral prior to coming to physical therapy.
Arrive Early
Please arrive 15 MINUTES before your initial appointment to allow ample time to complete the intake procedure.
Imaging
The more information you have, the better understanding our physical therapists have about your situation so bring in copies of any prior testing you had.
Co-payment
We collect all co-pays, deductibles and co-insurances at the time of each visit. If you have a question about your responsibility, you can call the back of your insurance card for more information.
Direct Access Physical Therapy
Did you know that you can see a physical therapist without a prescription under most insurance plans?
In New York, Direct Access is a law that allows you to see a licensed physical therapist for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first. Although there are a few exceptions to this, most healthcare plans we work with allow this.That means you can come start to get the relief you need right away. If you have any questions about Direct Access, call one of our educated staff members and we will be happy to answer any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are movement experts and that means we help you get back to doing the activities that you may no longer be able to do. We restore function, reduce pain, and prevent recurring injuries.
The first session is approximately an hour long. Each follow up visit is about 45 minutes but could be a little more or a little less depending on what your physical therapist wants to accomplish that day.
Good news! Physical therapy is most often covered by insurance. Our office is happy to assist in contacting your insurance company to determine your specific coverage. You can contact our office if you have additional questions regarding plan benefits or out of pocket costs.
Yes, you have the right to choose any facility you want. Some doctors may recommend a specific office but you have the final choice. If you decide to come to Panetta, you will receive the highest quality care by a family owned and operated business.
Each person is different and that means each condition and treatment is different. On your initial visit, your physical therapist uses their expertise to develop a specialized treatment plan. They will be able to give you a good idea of how much time you should expect to dedicate to your recovery.
If you struggle with pain, have been told you are out of options, or want to try a non-invasive approach, physical therapy might just be the answer for you. Your initial visit with one of our doctors of physical therapy can help you explore all your avenues and determine whether PT is the right option for you.