FAQ

Please read the below FAQs before your first appointment. If you have additional questions don't hesitate to give us a call, we'd be happy to help!

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect on my first visit?

Your initial assessment will be one-on-one with a physical therapist and will last about an hour. It will start with the subjective component where we will discuss what brought you in for treatment, including reviewing your medical history, injury history and what your treatment goals are. We will then move on to the movement screen, hands-on assessment and special tests to help determine the cause of your dysfunction/condition. This will allow us to create a detailed treatment plan for the course of your care.



What should I bring and wear to my appointment?

Bring your ID, insurance cards/information, medication list, and prescription for PT from your physician if needed. If you can, fill out the intake forms at home so you do not have to complete them in the office. Feel free to bring any medical reports from a surgery, MRI or x-ray, however it is not necessary. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in, and can expose the area we will be treating. Examples: -wear a tank top or loose t-shirt to view the shoulder -wear shorts or loose pants for the knee -athletic shoes for lower extremity injuries



When should I arrive for my appointment?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. To save time on your first visit, please consider reading and filling out the welcome packet, which you can find on our website under "Intake Forms".



What does deductible, co-payment and co-insurance mean?

A deductible is the dollar amount that must be paid by the insured prior to insurance cost-sharing. Patient is responsible for all allowable charges until deductible is met. A co-payment is the dollar amount the insured is responsible for paying each visit. After the deductible is met, the patient is only responsible for the co-pay. Clement Physical Therapy collects co-payment at the time of service for all eligible plan participants. Co-insurance is a form of cost sharing. The co-insurance is a percentage of allowable charges the insured is responsible for paying each visit. After the deductible is met, the insurance will cost-share with the patient and will cover the portion of the allowable charges remaining after the patient’s co-insurance. Clement Physical Therapy collects a portion of co-insurance at the time of service for all eligible plan participants.



Do I need a referral?

On January 1, 2014, a new California law was enacted which allows California consumers direct access to physical therapists. Direct Access is your ability to be evaluated and treated by a licensed Physical Therapist without first seeing your physician for a referral. Patients may receive direct physical therapy treatment for up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first. After 45 days or 12 visits, the physical therapist may only continue treating the patient with receipt of a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating (1) approval of that plan and (2) that an in-person examination and evaluation was conducted by the appropriate healthcare provider/physician. Be sure to check with your specific insurance plan's requirements. Some insurance plans, such as Medicare, require a dated signature by a physician on the physical therapist's initial plan of care for payment of services. We will notify your physician of our evaluation findings and provide updates on the care plan as needed.