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FAQs
Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?
For most insurance, the answer is no. Direct Access means you can visit a physical therapist without a prescription or referral. An individual can go to a physical therapist of their choice and receive the treatment they need. An exception to this is patients insured by Medicare. They do need a prescription to receive physical therapy treatment.
Physical therapists can be contacted directly without a physician's prescription or referral. All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs.
In other words, the government made it acceptable for individuals to go straight to a physical therapy clinic of their choice and receive the resources and treatment they require.
Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?
Thanks to Direct Access laws, you can!
The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.” This means you can choose what clinic you want to receive treatment from without waiting for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. No referral or prescription is necessary!
How can I make an appointment?
You may call the office at (516)742-4222 or use the link below to make an appointment at Ascend Physical Therapy. Contact us today.
How is my progress measured?
Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physical therapy program is the most visible approach to gauge your improvement and progress. You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.
How long is each appointment going to be?
You can expect the initial evaluation to last about 75 minutes. After that, each visit will last approximately 60 minutes, but we can work with your schedule. Most patients see the therapist 2-3 times a week.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Metro Sports Physical Therapy would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.
Insurance will, in most situations, pay a significant amount, if not all, of your treatment costs.
Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our New York, NY physical therapy office. For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.
What if I do not have insurance?
If you do not have insurance, that’s okay. Our clinics will never turn a patient away for this reason! For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted self-pay rate due at the time of service. Please contact our New York, NY clinics and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
You will need to bring your insurance card and a prescription if you have one. For Workers' Compensation and No-Fault cases, please have the name of the carrier, the adjuster's name, and contact number as well as your carrier number. There is the option to complete the new patient paperwork online through a link that is sent via email. If this is not convenient for you, then please arrive a few minutes early to complete the paperwork in the office prior to your visit.
What do physical therapists do?
Our physical therapists assess and treat many sorts of pain and discomfort. Our team consists of movement professionals that have the knowledge and experience to diagnose, evaluate, and treat any musculoskeletal ailment that may arise.
We play a key role in preventing, reversing, and controlling both old and new injuries. Every program is tailored to your specific requirements. We determine the severity of your injuries using objective measurements and tailor your treatment accordingly.
Where can I find a physical therapist?
Our physical therapy clinic take pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals and leading a pain-free life.
You have the right to seek physical therapy at any facility of your choosing. You will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you seek.
Can my physical therapist diagnose me?
Your physical therapist will do a physical evaluation when you come for your initial session at Metro Sports Physical Therapy to establish the severity of your injury or illness. Your therapist will be able to establish exactly what is causing your pain after a comprehensive assessment.
Your physical therapist and physician may collaborate to diagnose you. This will ensure that your diagnosis is correct and that your medical history is taken into consideration.
Can I choose any physical therapy clinic for treatment?
Thanks to Direct Access laws, yes, you can choose!
The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.”
To put it another way, you can choose which clinic you want to go to instead of waiting for your primary care physician to refer you to one. This does not require a referral or a prescription!
Do I need my doctor to refer me to receive physical therapy treatment?
Don’t have a prescription for physical therapy? No problem!
Individuals can go immediately to a physical therapy clinic of their choosing and obtain the materials and treatment they need, thanks to Direct Access regulations.
Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without needing a prescription or referral from a doctor. Patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia now have "direct access" to physical therapy treatments and programs.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Metro Sports Physical Therapy would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.
In most cases, insurance will cover a considerable portion, if not all, of your treatment costs.
I do not have insurance. Can I still receive physical therapy?
It's fine if you do not have insurance. Our clinics will never turn a patient away! We offer a discounted self-pay rate for patients who do not have insurance, which must be paid at the time of service. Please contact one of our clinics and inquire about rates and payment plans with our front desk.
How can I pay for each session?
Your insurance benefits will be assessed prior to your second visit, and you will be told of what, if any, payment is due on that date.
The following methods of payment are accepted: cash, check, Quickpay, Zelle and credit cards and debit cards. (Forms of payment may vary by location). We're also pleased to talk about payment options. We collect money at the time of service as a matter of policy.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment has never been easier or more convenient. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. Contact us today
What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows the therapist to access the injured body part. We have changing areas for patients if needed.
How long should each appointment take?
Due to the fact that each patient is unique, the initial session normally lasts 1 hour. Following that, each session could go anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.
The duration of time will be determined by your specific needs, which will be discussed with you by our therapist. You'll generally see your therapist 2-3 times a week for maximum benefit.
How is physical therapy different at Metro Sports Physical Therapy?
Why should treatment strategies be the same for every patient? We believe in individualized treatment regimens for each and every patient at Metro Sports Physical Therapy. When you come to our clinics, you will be put through a series of tests to determine the source of your injury or condition.
Your physical therapist may inquire about your medical history or request that you do particular movements or exercises so that they can observe any problems firsthand. Your therapist will then create a treatment plan that is unique to you. Stretching, Joint mobilization, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise are examples of such methods.
Can I benefit from PT treatments?
You certainly can! Everyone can benefit from physical therapy. We can discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is the right choice for you by working with you and your doctor. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.
Do PT treatments hurt?
Physical therapy is meant to alleviate pain rather than exacerbate it. However, when you restore mobility, it's possible that your pain levels will fluctuate. As a result of using weakened or recuperating muscles, you may suffer some momentary discomfort. Rest assured that this is a common side effect of physical therapy and should not be taken as a cause for alarm.
Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physical therapy treatments. We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
What should I know about physical therapy?
It's critical to understand that the overall goal of physical therapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while also preventing the injury or pain from recurring.
Our physical therapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it completely.
Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They collaborate with physicians to ensure that your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible. Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.
While each patient's condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to quickly relieve pain and restore function.
How is my physical therapy treatment progress tracked?
As you go through your rehabilitation activities, you should see a considerable improvement in your discomfort, range of motion, strength and functional capacity.
The most evident way to measure your improvement and progress is to keep track of your pain and mobility levels as you proceed through your physical therapy program.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
Please give us a call to verify your insurance benefits. We will try to provide you with an estimate of coverage.
To prepare for your first appointment, please do the following:
Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you if you are able. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow 15 min to fill these out upon your arrival.
Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork to maximize your time in your evaluation.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
Bring your insurance information for us to make a copy for your file.
If you have a prescription for physical therapy from your referring physician, NP, or PA, please bring that as well.
In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
How does physical therapy differ for older adults?
Age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance increase the risk of falls. At our New York, NY clinics, we will work together with you to investigate your medical history and determine what factors may be contributing to your condition.
At Metro Sports Physical Therapy, we understand that as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks. Our bodies begin to notice the “wear and tear” that has developed throughout the years, causing us to slow down and putting us at risk for health conditions.
Luckily, physical therapy can help soothe some of the health conditions that your body may experience with age. If you are looking for pain relief and/or getting back to your normal routine, Metro Sports Physical Therapy can help! Call our office today for more information.
Why does physical therapy take longer than I thought?
Everyone is different, and so is every pain condition! At Metro Sports Physical Therapy, you will have access to a personalized treatment plan created based on your individual needs and goals. Throughout your recovery process, our team will provide constant feedback and allow refinement of your program to ensure it provides optimal results. This may take weeks or months.
We will keep you updated on your progress throughout each session. If you have any questions or concerns about the length of your treatment plan, do not hesitate to ask your physical therapist. We are here to help you by providing clarity throughout this process.
Do you treat my condition at your clinics?
You can be confident that our therapists are well-trained to assess and treat your condition.
Our physical therapists are state-licensed and have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs.
Physical therapists have received years of university-level education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. Additionally, we require all of our Therapists to refine and polish their skills with continuing education courses in various Physical Therapy specialties. You are in capable hands!
When will I start to feel better?
Because each patient's diagnosis is unique, our therapist will work with you and your referring physician to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
During your first visit, your physical therapist will determine your treatment plan and the number of visits required. If you have any questions about the duration of your treatment plan, do not hesitate to reach out to your physical therapist. Our team is here to support you and answer your questions.
Can I continue seeing a therapist even when I feel better?
We offer fitness and wellness sessions for patients that want to continue to work with their physical therapist to improve their health and fitness beyond the course of physical therapy.