You Have a Right to Choose Your Own PT

You Have a Right to Choose Your Own PT

Let’s face it, there is no one more important to advocate for your own health than you! As the most important member of your own health care team, you are entitled to choose your own health care provider that will not only meet but exceed your goals.  The following information, provided by theAmerican Physical Therapy Association (APTA), provides guidelines for choosing a physical therapist for your care.

Freedom of Choice

• Most states allow you to go directly to a physical therapist without getting a physician’s referral first. Currently, 46 states allow people to go directly to a physical therapist without a physician’s referral (all but Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma).
• Keep in mind that your insurance policy may require a visit to the primary care physician first or may limit your access to preferred providers only.
• Always insist that your physical therapy be provided by a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists who are members of APTA are bound by the Association’s Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care.

How to Choose a Physical Therapist

• Make sure that you receive physical therapy from a licensed physical therapist.
• Ask the physical therapist’s clinic if it participates with your insurance company. Ask whether the physical therapist’s clinic will submit claims on your behalf to your insurance company.
• There may be good reasons to see a physical therapist who does not participate with your insurance plan. If you need a physical therapist who has special skills related to your particular condition-or if the location or other aspects of the care or the facility meet your needs-this may be a good choice for you.

Specialization

• Many physical therapists specialize in treating specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck, knee, hand, or shoulder, or they may concentrate their practice on pre- and postnatal care, sports injuries, stroke rehabilitation, or one of many other areas or physical therapy.
• PTs may also be certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Your Appointment

• Your first visit should include an evaluation to identify current and potential problems.
• Based on the results of the examination, and considering your specific goals, your physical therapist will design a plan of care to include specific interventions and will propose a timetable to achieve these goals and optimize your movement and function.
• Your physical therapist will likely provide you with instructions to perform exercises at home to facilitate your recovery.
• You should feel comfortable asking your physical therapist any questions regarding your course of care, including specifics regarding interventions and expectations.

For the complete article on Choosing Your Own PT, please CLICK HERE.  If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call Baudry Therapy Center for your physical therapy and fitness needs.