What To Expect
CAN I RECEIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES WITHOUT A PHYSICIAN REFERRAL?
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Absolutely! This is one of the most frequent questions we are asked. The state of Idaho has not required a physician’s referral since 1985. Occasionally a particular insurance company will require you to see your doctor first but we will check on this for you.
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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?
On your first visit, you will be greeted by our Front Office Coordinator, who will help you fill out any paperwork required. She will call and check on all of your insurance benefits for you and provide that information in writing.
You will be seen by a licensed Physical Therapist, who will discuss the following:
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Your medical history
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Your current condition, problems, and complaints
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How your condition is affecting your normal activities
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Your goals in Physical Therapy
Your Physical Therapist will then perform a thorough physical examination designed for your specific problem. This may include:
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Range of Motion testing of joints
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Muscle Testing
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Neurological Screening
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Special Tests
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Posture Analysis
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Palpation (feeling the condition of muscles, joints, and bones)
Your Physical Therapist will then develop a specific plan based on your unique condition. There is no “one size fits all” treatment plan, and we believe strongly that every patient deserves a customized treatment plan for his/her specific condition.
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HOW LONG WILL EACH TREATMENT LAST
Typically sessions at Physical Therapy Specialists of Idaho are 45-60 minutes. Your first session may take a little longer due to the comprehensive evaluation that your Therapist will be performing.
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WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS WILL I RECEIVE?
This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a Physical Therapist. All too often, we see patients who have undergone previous treatments at another clinic and did not achieve the goals they had set. One of the reasons is that they often received a “cookie cutter” treatment approach, instead of a customized treatment plan. Many Physical Therapists “fall in love” with one kind of treatment and then indiscriminately provide that one type of treatment to every patient. Although Physical Therapists might be very proficient at that one technique, that doesn’t mean it is appropriate for all patients!
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CAN I CHOOSE WHICH CLINIC I GO TO FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Definitely. You have every right to choose your clinic and your Physical Therapist. We often see patients who have been told they must see a Therapist at their doctor’s office or at the hospital, but you have the right to choose where you go for Physical Therapy.
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WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A PRIVATE PRACTICE PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
There has been a significant amount of research done on this topic over the years, and numerous research studies support that patients seen by a private practice Physical Therapist:
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Are more satisfied with their care
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Received fewer overall visits (studies showed 39-45% less visits)
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Had significantly lower costs for their care (studies showed 30-40% less)
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WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION WILL MY PHYSICAL THERAPIST HAVE?
Almost all Physical Therapists now have a Master (MPT) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST HAVE SPECIALTY AREAS LIKE PHYSICIANS?
Yes they do. There are a number of specialty certifications that can be earned in Physical Therapy, including Board Certified Physical Therapists, through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
At PTSI, our Physical Therapists are required to have certifications in a number of different areas and treatment approaches. We want our patients to consistently receive the highest level of Physical Therapy care, regardless of which PTSI clinic they choose.
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