What can I expect on my first visit?

• Your first visit will last approximately 60 minutes.

• Please arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit to fill out our new patient paperwork packet.  You can download these forms ahead of time from our “patient forms” link.

• Come ready to “move.”  Wear comfortable clothing that will allow us to see you move and identify problems that we may be treating.  Please, no jeans.  If you need to change clothing, private space will be available.

• We will make a copy of your insurance card if your services are covered so we can bill them on your behalf.

• Your therapist will greet you in our waiting room and take you into a private treatment room to start the evaluation process where we will inquire about your reason for attending therapy and review your pertinent medical history.  At this time, you will have the opportunity to express your concerns about your condition.

• After this thorough history, your therapist will then perform a physical examination, evaluating your posture, range of motion, strength and joint mobility.

• Once we have determined a path of treatment, we will review our findings with you and discuss/perform an initial treatment, advise any recommendations for home or working postures or activities, issue a home exercise program and schedule your next appointment.

Where are you located?

• We are located at 7145 N Chestnut Ave, Suite 105, Fresno, CA 93720.

• There is an interactive map on our home page

Do you take my insurance?

• We accept many forms of payment: private insurance plans, government sponsored health coverage, (Medicare, Covered California plans-PPO only!) worker’s compensation, and private pay.

Do I need a prescription from my doctor to have physical therapy?

• Many insurance plans do require a referral to physical therapy in the form of a prescription; however, 2014 marked a milestone in California.  AB1000 was passed that allows “direct access” to physical therapy services without a referral of a medical doctor for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first.

• For more information on this new law, please visit:  www.movecalifornia.org  or call your insurance customer service representative to see if your plan participates.

How does payment work?

• Once you arrive and we make a copy of your insurance card; we will verify your particular coverage amounts.  Remember, all providers are covered under different guidelines and payment schedules.  Keep this in mind when you have co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance amounts with your insurance.  Physical therapy may differ from your primary care physician, specialists, etc.

• Once services are rendered, we will, as a courtesy, bill your insurance company for your therapy.  We say “courtesy,” because you can bill your own insurance for services you receive; we can help if you choose to use this method.

• After we receive payment, an “explanation of benefits” will accompany payment.  This is the same “EOB” you will receive detailing your coverage and payment amounts.

• On this form, you will find the date of service, amount billed, amount allowed for the services rendered, amount applied to your deductible if appropriate, amount of your co-pay, amount you may owe, and the amount we were paid for the services.

• At this time, if any amount is due of you, we will then send a detailed bill payable at time of receipt.

Will physical therapy hurt?

• Many times, patients come to physical therapy due to pain.  Our goal is to help guide the healing process to aid in the elimination of your pain.  Although “no pain, no gain” is a common statement thrown around, many times treatment is very comfortable in efforts to reduce your pain.  Please keep your communication open with your therapist and adjusting your comfort is our primary concern.  And, as always, the patient always has the right to stop a procedure that may be uncomfortable.

Do I have to go to a specific clinic?

• The patient always has the right to choose their physical therapist.  Many referring sources will recommend certain clinics based on your ailment, personality or location.  But, ultimately, the patient has the last say in the matter.  Some additional reasons for referral to a variety of different clinics are primarily based on insurance contracts.