We understand that your first appointment can bring a mix of anticipation and questions. This FAQ guide is designed to ease your concerns and prepare you for a successful start to your recovery journey. From what to expect during your initial visit to what you should bring and wear, we’ve compiled the most common questions our new patients ask.
We’ve compiled a set of frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your first physical therapy appointment. Your initial visit is a crucial step in your journey to recovery and improved well-being. This comprehensive session, typically lasting about an hour, is designed to assess your condition thoroughly and create a personalized treatment plan. During this visit, you’ll meet with a licensed physical therapist who will review your medical history, evaluate your current condition, and perform various assessments.
Your first visit will last approximately one hour and include a comprehensive evaluation and applicable treatment administered by a licensed physical therapist. Your physical therapist will review your medical history, diagnostic tests, and any recent events that may have contributed to your condition. Your evaluation will include an assessment of your current functional deficits, pain level, and posture and a thorough evaluation of your flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.
Following your evaluation, your physical therapist will thoroughly explain your personalized treatment plan and expectations for recovery and give you a commitment letter. Communication between the patient and physical therapist is of utmost importance at ATI as you are an active participant in your recovery.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your first appointment to complete all necessary paperwork.
Download and complete your new patient forms before your appointment to save time. It will allow you to begin your therapy session even faster. If you choose to fill out the forms at your clinic, please allow 15 minutes to complete them before your scheduled appointment time.
*As a creditor under the Federal Trade Commission’s “Red Flags Rule,” we adhere to an Identity Theft Prevention Program. For this reason, we ask that you present photo identification at the time of registration. We appreciate your cooperation in assisting us with protecting your identity and preventing identity theft.
Your therapy session will involve varied physical movements and we want you to feel comfortable throughout your visit. We recommend wearing clothing that is comfortable enough for you to move around in, whether that is workout gear or, for example, lounge-type wear. The clothing you wear should also allow for easy exposure to the areas where pain is present.
Duration and frequency of treatment are unique to each individual’s injury or condition. ATI’s professionals are dedicated to returning patients to optimal health. Our customized programs and individual attention allow patients to recover quickly and enjoy a positive rehabilitation experience.
You’ll find information on how treatment costs are determined, insurance coverage for physical therapy services at ATI, explanations of key insurance terms like deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance, and details about our payment plans and financial assistance options. We’re committed to making your treatment as affordable as possible and ensuring you have a clear understanding of your financial responsibilities before beginning your therapy. If you have any additional questions after reviewing these FAQs, our billing staff is always ready to assist you and provide personalized information about your healthcare benefits.
The cost of your customized treatment plan depends on your diagnosis, individual needs, and insurance plan. To ensure affordable care, we will verify your insurance benefits before beginning treatment. To assess your needs, please visit ATI for a complimentary screening.
ATI works with many major insurance carriers. View our insurance page for a complete list of in-network insurances accepted. ATI’s billing staff will be happy to verify your healthcare benefits.
A deductible is the dollar amount that must be paid by the insured before insurance cost-sharing. The patient is responsible for all allowable charges until the deductible is met.
A co-payment is the dollar amount the insured pays each visit. After the deductible is met, the patient is only responsible for the co-pay. ATI collects co-payment at the time of service for all eligible plan participants unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Co-insurance is a form of cost-sharing. The co-insurance is a percentage of allowable charges the insured is responsible for paying each visit. After the deductible is met, the insurance will cost-share with the patient and cover the portion of the allowable charges remaining after the patient’s co-insurance. ATI collects a portion of co-insurance at the time of service for all eligible plan participants unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
In many cases, ATI can offer an interest-free payment plan. Patients may set up a payment plan online.
ATI offers financial hardship discounts for services rendered when patients can demonstrate need when it comes to meeting their financial obligations to ATI. To learn more about our financial assistance offering and understand whether you are eligible for a financial hardship discount, please contact our Patient Advocate Department at 855-771-2599.
You may have additional questions beyond the basics of appointments and financial matters. This section addresses a variety of common inquiries to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of our services and policies. From locating the nearest clinic to understanding your rights in choosing a provider, we cover important aspects such as virtual treatment options, authorization processes, cancellation policies, and your healthcare privacy rights.
Click here to search for an ATI Physical Therapy location near you and get on the road to recovery.
Yes, if you need physical therapy, YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE when selecting your provider. We encourage you to explore all your options, and when you do, we’re confident that you’ll find that ATI will exceed your expectations. With many convenient locations close to home, expert clinicians, and our ability to schedule your first visit within 24-48 hours, we’re the best choice to help you recover from an injury, surgery, or chronic pain.
In 2020, ATI developed a completely virtual Physical Therapy treatment option for patients with limitations attending in-person sessions, including transportation difficulties. Please click here to learn more.
Our EMR provides visibility to authorization for both the clinical and corporate support teams to ensure that visits are authorized. You will be informed if you are reaching the end of your authorized visits and what the next steps will be.
Appointment times are scheduled by the availability of professional staff. ATI may reschedule an appointment if a patient arrives more than 15 minutes late. ATI requires 24 hours’ advance notice of cancellations and reserves the right to charge a $40.00 cancellation fee if the patient fails to cancel an appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
Please feel free to contact our anonymous hotline number at 800-428-1678.
At ATI, we understand that information about you and your health care is personal. Please view the HIPAA notice of privacy practices to understand your rights better.