How do I begin?

At the time you schedule your first appointment, the front office staff should find out what benefits are available to you. After the examination, your PT with the guidance of your physician will be able to predict the necessary treatment interventions and a general timetable of treatment. If it appears that the available insurance benefit will not cover the needed therapy, your therapist will recommend options that are available to you (for example, direct out-of-pocket payment or other arrangements). Your understanding of any benefit restrictions early in the therapy process will ensure fewer misunderstandings later and typically better outcomes. 

Most of all, active participation in your physical therapy program will facilitate achieving optimal outcomes of care. Your PT will give you homework—your home exercise program—that may include stretching or strengthening exercises as well as changes to make at your work station. If you are the caregiver for a family member, the PT may instruct you in safety techniques and adaptations to make in the home environment. Make a commitment to participate in the program. Your active participation may shorten the overall length of therapy, and this will be helpful if the health care benefit is restrictive as to the number of visits available. 

 provided courtesy of APTA

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