Frequently asked Questions
Q: What should i bring to my first visit?
A: 1) Referral from your doctor (optional)
2) Insurance Verification
3) Identification Card
4) Completed New Patient Forms (See Patient Forms section)
Q: WHat should i wear to my first visit?
A: Wear comfortable clothing such as clothes you would wear to the gym or a workout class.
Q: WHat should i expect on my first visit?
A: During your first visit to Specialized Physical Therapy, one of our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive examination. The first interaction will consist of an interview to determine the history and current behavior of your symptoms. Following the interview, an examination will be performed to determine the structure(s) responsible for your pain as well as identifying what has made you susceptible to injury/pain. Following the examination, the physical therapist will explain how the examination findings correlate to your symptoms and develop and individualized treatment program. The initial evaluation takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Q: Do i need to see a physician prior to making an appointment at specialized physical therapy?
A: No. On January 1, 2014 AB 1000 became effective, allowing limited direct access to physical therapy in California. The new law states that physical therapists are able to treat patients without a physicians referral or diagnosis for 12 visits, or 45 days, whichever occurs first. If after a comprehensive examination a client is not deemed (or considered to be) appropriate for physical therapy, recommendations will be made for further medical work-up (evaluations/assessments).
Q: What should i expect on subsequent visits?
A: Typically our physical therapy appointments will last for 45 minutes to one hour. You will be seen by a physical therapist during each treatment session. Your treatment will be a unique blend of manual therapy, exercise and patient education. You will be given activities to work on at home such as stretching, postural re-training, and exercise. In order to maintain continuity of care, we try to minimize your interaction to two therapists.
Q: do you take my insurance?
A: Specialized Physical Therapy is a contracted provider for Medicare as well as most major PPO providers. Unfortunately, we are not accepting HMO policies at this time. In the absence of insurance coverage, we offer an affordable cash payment program. Please feel free to contact us with specific questions regarding your individual health insurance. (See Insurance Providers section)
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: OFFICE HOURS:
Monday 7AM - 7PM
Tuesday 8AM - 6PM
Wednesday 7AM -7PM
Thursday 8AM - 6PM
Friday 7AM - 6PM
Saturday-Sunday CLOSED