My doctor has ordered Physical Therapy - Now what?

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment
Our front office staff will assist you in scheduling a time when a therapist can provide a complete evaluation of your problem. The therapist will be looking at the physical impairments that prevent you from functioning in the manor you are accustomed. Once the evaluation is complete, a plan of care will be designed to facilitate your return to full activity. Usually for an acute condition, treatment will take place three times weekly and twice weekly for more chronic conditions. Treatment frequency will taper as you improve. The first appointment usually lasts between 1- 1 1/2 hours. We ask that you be more flexible in scheduling your first appointment since these visits require additional time. See appointments page.

Step 2: Follow-up Appointments
We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule for subsequent appointments. We have a wide variety of appointment times. Follow up appointments last about an hour. Most treatment takes place over a 4-week period. If you know that your schedule is tight, please make an effort to schedule at least a week in advance. We make every effort to keep the patient with the same therapist to facilitate continuity of care. However, if you need to cancel and reschedule or you forget to set up appointments, you may be asked to see a different therapist so that you can stay current with your plan of care. This is an insurance requirement. See appointments page.

What should I wear?
We advise that you choose loose fitting clothing that allows the therapist to access the area that you are having trouble with more easily. Some examples would be shorts for a knee, ankle or hip problem. A tank top or halter top for a shoulder or neck problem would be a good choice. For other back problems, a loose fitting tee shirt and shorts would be helpful. We have gowns available if those suggestions do not work for you. Please bring or wear suitable shoes for exercise.

What can I expect from my treatment?
In general, you can expect a gradual improvement of your condition. However, during the evaluation we often need to provoke your symptoms in order to determine the exact cause of your problem. During the course of treatment some of the mobilization techniques used can also produce a level of inflammation. It is important that you take your anti-inflammatory medication, if your doctor has prescribed one. It is also important to communicate your treatment responses with your therapist. Physical therapy is not a passive treatment. It requires active involvement of the therapist and the patient. If you follow the guidelines and exercises prescribed by your therapist your recovery process will be expedited. If you have questions, feel free to call or email your therapist.

When will my treatment end?
Your therapist will discuss your progress at a minimum on a weekly basis. In general, treatment frequency will gradually decrease. At the final visit, your therapist will review the activities that you should continue in order to facilitate optimal health.

Where can I park?
Parking is available in the building. However, at certain times of the day it can be difficult. We provide validation for the first hour for parking in the building. Street parking and parking at Saks Fifth Avenue (across the street) is also available. Those with special needs, please ask about available assistance.

Do you communicate with my doctor?
We are in regular communication with all referring physicians. We will provide you with a progress report when you make a follow-up visit with your physician.

What is the Medicare cap?
The Medicare cap for 2007 is $1780 for outpatient physical therapy. This amount is based on the Medicare allowable charges. We will make an effort to track your cap status. In general, this amount will allow 15 - 18 visits.

What happens after I reach the Medicare cap?
If care is still needed, you have several options upon reaching the cap.