CoreFit’s Guide to Finding Your Next PT
Your doctor just referred you to a physical therapist. Now what? Choosing a provider can be tricky, and while your doctor may refer you to a specific clinic, you still have a choice. It’s important to remember that just as you would shop around for the right piece of furniture for your home or the perfect deal on a getaway vacation, such is the same when finding the right PT for you. After all, if all goes well, this is the person who you will be seeing quite a lot of!
The first step may be to discuss details with your doctor so you understand why you need a physical therapist in the first place. What goals do you hope to accomplish? Make a list of your wants and needs when it comes to choosing a PT. To get the most out of therapy, remember to ask any and all questions you have. Remember, also, that many referrals can be time limited so you want the best care for the time you have.
How do I know what’s best for me?
Here at CoreFit, we suggest that you select the best provider for your care by first learning about the options available in your community by checking online. Here are some specific questions you should research or ask when selecting a care provider:
Reputation: Does the provider or facility have a good reputation for patient centered care? Ask your friends for suggestions! Check out the clinic web page and explore the therapists available. Learn about their care goals and philosophy. You could check out Yelp or Google for testimonials and recommendations. What might your gut tell you based on their online presence?
Timing: Does the facility have a wait time before you can start therapy? How regularly will they see you once you have had your initial visit? How long is the typical appointment? Many facilities limit your visit to 30-40 minutes while others provide 45 -60 minute appointments. Your insurance may have a visit time limit as well.
Specialized care: Is there a facility that offers a therapist specialized in your particular injury? Therapists can earn certifications in sport medicine, neurology, women’s health, incontinence, cardiology, or manual therapy. They may also be certificated in speciality areas such as Pilates, or Functional Manual Therapy. These skills might be just what you need.
Consistency: Will you see the same provider at each visit? Will you share a therapist and an assistant? Seeing the same practitioner can provide consistency between visits and allow the client and therapist to learn what is best for your body. Many facilities have you work with a therapist and an assistant — this model can be quite successful as well — but consistency is the key!
Accommodations and access: Do you need to have special accommodations such as a ramp or easy handicap accessibility? Are the bathrooms handicap accessible? Is there sufficient parking?
What questions do I ask?
Now that you’ve researched what type of care best fits your situation, it’s also important to ensure you are asking the right questions about insurance. Some questions you might ask are:
Is the provider credentialed with your insurance company? Does your insurance company require preauthorization for treatment? Do you have secondary insurance?
Do you have a co-pay per visit? A deductible? How much of the deductible has been met? . Answers could be found on your insurance company’s website or with your selected provider.
What if you do not have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover physical therapy? Analyzing your out-of-pocket costs and comparing services between providers can help you determine which provider you would like to see.
What if the best provider for your condition isn’t credentialed with your insurance? Many facilities are willing to take a cash payment per visit. If asked, they would provide documentation to submit your claims to your insurance for reimbursement.
Take the time to find what’s right
Hopefully this CoreFit Guide to Choosing Your Next PT might help you in your search to find the physical therapist that is the perfect fit for you. It’s important to remember to fully research your options, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to take the time to find the best qualified professional for your condition. Just as finding the perfect piece of furniture might finally finish off a room in your home, finding the perfect PT might bring you the same feeling of peace and accomplishment.
If you have questions about how to find the best provider based on your current situation, feel free to contact us at here or follow CoreFit on Facebook.