How to Prepare For Your First PT Appointment

Following surgery or a recent injury, your doctor may have prescribed you physical therapy.  Starting PT can seem overwhelming and like a huge commitment.  While it is a commitment, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Here are a few tips to make your first appointment go smooth and help you and your Physical Therapist get you started on the right track for recovery.

Before Your Visit

Make a list of any questions you have and want to ask your physical therapist.

Write down any symptoms you’ve been having and for how long. If you have more than one area of symptoms, begin with the one that bothers you the most. Describe whether your pain or symptoms are:

• Better or worse with specific movements, activities, or positions such as sitting or standing.
• More noticeable at certain times of the day.
• Relieved or made worse by resting or a specific task or activity.

Write down key information about your medical history, even if it seems unrelated. For example:

• List all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines you take or have taken within the last month. Don’t forget to include any vitamins and supplements you take.
• Make a note of any relevant personal information. Include things that you believe might be linked to your condition, such as:
  • Recent stressful events.
  • Injuries.
  • Incidents or accidents.
  • Your home or work environment.
  • List any medical conditions of your parents or siblings.

Ask a family member or trusted friend to go with you to your appointment. They can help you remember details from your health history and take notes to help you remember what was discussed during your visit.

If you wear glasses or use a hearing aid, take them with you. Tell your physical therapist and clinic staff if you have a hard time seeing or hearing.

Take any lab, imaging, or reports from other health care providers with you that are related to your medical history or current condition.

Bring a list of your doctors and other health care providers. Your physical therapist can discuss their findings and your progress with them. Physical therapists partner with other health care providers to ensure you get the best possible care.

When you make your appointment, ask whether you should wear or bring a certain type of clothing for your first visit. Don’t wear clothing that doesn’t stretch. Your physical therapist may have you take part in treatment activities during your first session.

Financial Considerations

• Carefully review the clinic’s financial policy. If you do not receive it at your first appointment, ask for a copy. If anything is unclear, ask questions or ask for someone to explain the policy to you before starting treatment.
• The physical therapy clinic will ask you to sign the financial agreement. Read it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
• The clinic staff will request payment of any deductibles and copayments before or after each visit. Paying these at the time of service will help you better manage health care costs and avoid a large bill after treatment ends.
• If you need to change how often you have physical therapy for financial reasons, discuss this with your physical therapist. They can explore options and develop a workable plan to help you get the care you need.
• If you change or lose your insurance coverage, be sure to inform your physical therapist and the clinic’s front office staff.

**Sourced from ChoosePT.com. Read entire article HERE.