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1. What is a physical therapist?Physical therapists are good people to know. They're educated in understanding the interaction of all your body parts. Their hands-on approach begins with examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the immediate problem. Then they teach you how to take care of yourself by showing you how to do exercises and how to use your body properly to gain strength and mobility and prevent recurring injury. You'll find them advising on proper posture and body motion in the work place, treating injuries, consulting on fitness, and administering physical therapy in the home. Today physical therapists provide help for every part of the body to everyone from infants to the elderly - more than 1 million people every day! 2. How do I select a physical therapist?You can find a physical therapist who is right for you the same way you might find the right doctor or dentist: through recommendations from family or friends, or by checking telephone listings and doing your own research. One factor to consider is that physical therapists who are members of the American Physical Therapy Assn. are bound by the Association's Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care. In Arizona physical therapists are not required to have a referral from a physician. However, insurance plans do still require this, so if you plan to have us bill your insurance, please call or visit your physician first. Two exceptions to this are self pay patients and attorney liens. (APTA "For Your Health", 2003 p.3) One other consideration when selecting a physical therapist is convenient location. People typically visit a therapist three times a week for treatment. They often they have limited mobility or are in pain, perhaps limiting their ability to drive. So, it is generally recommended that you select a therapist that is close to either your work place or your home. SATnet has 24 locations throughout the Tucson, Arizona metro area. 3. Is physical therapy covered by health insurance?Health insurance covers most forms of physical therapy, but coverage varies with each plan. Some people choose to pay for physical therapy directly, even if their policy does not cover their program or if their benefits have run out. (APTA "For Your Health", 2003 p. 3) Your health plan may require you to see a specific provider. Ask your doctor, check your insurance company's current provider listing, or find a SATnet clinic that accepts your insurance plan. We accept most private insurance plans, Medicare, workers' compensation, and PPO's. Many of our clinics contract with United Healthcare and Blue Cross. Medicare coverage under Part B, currently is limited to $1500.00 per year (approx. 17 visits). Legislation is current pending to remove the limit on benefits. Secondary insurance plans generally cover whatever balance is remaining after Medicare reimburses the therapist for their care. 4. What can I expect on my first visit?
Once papers are completed, a licensed physical therapist will take a complete history and physical and then do some specific physical tests to determine exactly what is causing your limitations. They will then formulate a plan of care that will be sent to your referring doctor. The therapist may utilize massage, modalities or manual therapy techniques to resolve pain. Once the muscles are relaxed sufficiently they can begin to rebuild strength. The therapist may then instruct you in specific exercises designed to restore your muscle function. You will receive a home exercise program with specific instructions (generally in writing). To speed your recovery, it is important that you carefully follow the home exercise instructions and do your exercises before your next visit. Although the therapist knows what to do, you are the only one who can make yourself better. Doing your home exercise program is the key to quick recovery. Some people are sore following their visit to therapy. Ask your therapist for a recommendation to calm sore muscles. At the next visit, the therapist will briefly evaluate you and your progress. They may make changes to the treatment plan, or simply continue on the original course of treatment depending upon how you are doing. They will remain in touch with your physician and insurance company - we are all on your team. 5. What should I wear to my physical therapy appointment?Therapy is an active process. Bring or wear comfortable, washable clothing that allow freedom of movement:
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