Choosing a Physical Therapist
Information You Need When Selecting a Physical Therapist
You are the most important member of your
own health care team and are entitled to choose the most
appropriate health care professional to meet your goals. The
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has provided
the following guidelines for choosing a physical therapist
for your care.
1. Freedom of Choice
You have the freedom to choose your own
physical therapist. Most states allow you to go directly to
a physical therapist without a physician's referral first.
Click here to see if your state allows you to see a
physical therapist directly.
Keep in mind that your insurance policy
may require a visit to the primary care physician first or
limit your access to only preferred providers.
Your physician
may refer you for physical therapy that is to be provided in
his or her office or to a facility in which he or she has a
financial interest.
If either situation is the
case, insist that your physical therapy be provided by a
licensed physical therapist.
Physical therapists who are members of
APTA are bound by the Association's
Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing
competent and compassionate care.
2. How To Choose A Physical Therapist
Make sure that
you receive physical therapy from a licensed physical
therapist.
Physical therapists are professional health care providers
who are licensed by the state in which they practice. If you
are receiving physical therapy from a physical therapist
assistant, be sure that he or she is supervised by a
licensed physical therapist.
Ask the
physical therapy clinic if they participate with your
insurance company and/or will they submit claims on your
behalf to your insurance company.
Some policies require co-payments for services and the
co-payment will be dependent on if the physical therapist is
part of the insurer's provider network. You will also have
to meet your deductible.
3. Your
Appointment
Your first visit should include an
evaluation by the physical therapist. Your physical
therapist will perform an examination to identify current
and potential problems. Based on the results of the
examination, and considering your specific goals, your
physical therapist will design a plan of care to include
specific interventions and will propose a timetable to
achieve these goals and optimize your function. Your
physical therapist will likely provide you with instructions
to perform exercises at home to facilitate your recovery.
You should feel comfortable asking your physical therapist
any questions regarding your course of care, including
specifics regarding interventions and expectations.
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