How do I find the right physical therapist?
Unlike so many other health professions, physical therapists spend a lot of time with their patients. On average, we will spend over 14 hours with patients who come through our clinic which means that finding the right match is essential for your journey to recovery. These are some questions and considerations that may help you find the best fit.
1. Ensure that the services your PT offers match what you are looking for.
All physical therapists are prepared through education and clinical experience to manage a variety of conditions and injuries. At Wellworks, all of our physical therapists hold Doctorates in Physical Therapy which means they underwent 7 years of education to be able to help you. However, post-schooling, therapists are able to specialize further.
A physical therapist also may focus their practice on specific patient groups, such as:
Children or pediatrics
Older adults or geriatrics
Athletes
Cancer survivors
Pelvic health problems
Our clinic has therapists who specialize in vertigo and dizziness, lymphedema, hand therapy, and orthopedics. If our staff are not trained to address your specific concerns, we will always happily refer you to a clinic that does.
2. Ask if the physical therapist participates with your health care plan.
Getting care from an in-network physical therapist is essential to lessen your financial burden. Some physical therapists may not participate in any health insurance plans and receive payment for services solely from you. Now, many insurances require authorization for services so the clinic may need to submit paperwork on your behalf to ensure PT is covered.
Some insurance policies require a copayment. A copayment is a fixed amount you pay for covered care after you have met your deductible. Your deductible is the portion you must pay before insurance benefits begin. Your copayment may depend on whether the physical therapist is part of your insurance provider’s network.
The clinic should be able to help you estimate the amount for which you are responsible. It is best to contact your insurance company before treatment to verify your out-of-pocket costs. You can also contact us and we will gladly provide you a detailed copy of your benefits.
3. Find a licensed provider that is close to you.
When searching for providers look for the initials PT or DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) after the therapist’s name on their business card or signature line. Some clinics utilize physical therapy assistants with the initials PTA. These assistants will provide care under the physical therapists direction.
Finding a provider in your area is just as important. Sessions are usually 1-2x per week and selecting a clinic that is close to you will increase your compliance with your care. It will be difficult to recover if you are unable to consistently receive care.
Wellworks provides physical therapy near you in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and Los Angeles. We also offer telehealth appointments so that anyone in the state of California can receive services from the comfort of their home.
