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FAQs

How can physical therapy help me?
A physical therapist can evaluate your condition and identify the source of your discomfort or dysfunction. Once evaluated, the therapist will develop a treatment program specific to your needs and goals that may consist of a combination of hands on manual therapy, deep water pool therapy, gym based exercise, massage therapy and a nutritional consultation with a specialist. You will also receive instruction in a home exercise program as well as education on proper body mechanics and posture to prevent re-injury.
Do I need to know how to swim? I am not comfortable in the water. Do I have to go in the water?
You do not have to know how to swim for aquatic therapy. We use various flotation belts and devices which help assist you in the water when needed.

You do not submerge your face in the water and when pinned up, your hair will usually stay dry.

Depending on the circumstances a therapist may even get in the water to assist you.

There are many benefits to aquatic physical therapy (insert link to aquatics page here) so we always encourage patients to go in the water. It is not mandatory and may not be appropriate for your care. You can discuss any concerns with your therapist.

What is the cost of a physical therapy visit?
Depending on your insurance the amount of each physical therapy visit which the patient is responsible for is different. To figure out your exact cost you can call our office and discuss your current insurance benefits with our billing department. If you choose to not go through an insurance carrier then we offer discounted rates visits for self pay patients and have easy payment plans.
Do I need a referral from a Medical Doctor before coming to physical therapy?
Our physical therapy staff can evaluate you without a referral from a medical doctor and give you advice and exercises to start the process of rehabilitation, but we will require a medical doctors referral after the first session in order for you to receive treatment. When you call our clinic, our friendly staff will assist you in determining your requirements to receive Physical Therapy treatment.
What will I do on my first visit?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your appointment to complete the new patient paperwork. Bring along your physician’s referral, your insurance card (if applicable), comfortable clothes which can expose the area to be treated and any other pertinent information relevant to your visit.

You will be evaluated for an hour by a licensed physical therapist. At this time the therapist identify the cause of your pain, and develop a treatment plan that will help eliminate your symptoms. Each patient’s situation is unique and your plan of care will be specifically tailored to suit your needs.

What should I bring/wear?
Be sure to bring or wear comfortable clothes
Athletic type shoes are recommended but not required.
Locker rooms are available. You may wish to bring a lock to put your belongings in a locker. You may purchase locks here or borrow one of ours.

The club offers towel service for a fee or you can bring your own if you plan to shower.

Will I always see the same Physical Therapist?
We endeavor to keep patients scheduled consistently with the same physical therapist. From time to time due to scheduling constraints you may be asked to work with another of our skilled therapists. You will be made aware of any changes of this nature in advance and the interim therapist will be completely briefed on your condition and treatment.
How about insurance?

Physical therapy is covered by most insurance plans.
We are Medicare certified and contracted with most major plans including: Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Healthnet, Tricare/Triwest, Medicare, Dept of Labor, Worker’s Compensation, MedPay.

We also accept workers compensation claims.

When you call our clinic, our friendly staff will assist you in determining your insurance coverage and requirements.

You can verify your benefits for United Health Care & Blue Shield of California online.

  • www.mylifepath.com
  • www.unitedhealthcare.com

This is not a comprehensive list of plans we are affiliated with. Please call for more information or questions you have on these and other plans.

What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?

Please call in advance of your appointment to reschedule or cancel. We need 24 hour notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment.

How far in advance do I have to schedule appointments?

Depending on availability, same day appointments can sometimes be scheduled. However, in order to maintain a consistent appointment schedule, we ask that you try to keep your appointments scheduled out two weeks in advance.

Do I need to buy any special equipment or supplies?

No. Everything you need for therapy is here on site. Some patients choose to purchase various equipment and devices to continue their exercise program at home via our Online Store.

What are your hours of operation?
Office hours 7:30am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday.
I was in a car accident, how does my physical therapy get paid for?
There are four options for coverage of your physical therapy bills:

1. 3rd Party Insurance:
The person who caused the accident will have insurance that could cover a portion of the costs of your physical therapy. WSPT’s front desk associates can assist you with all information needed if you are using 3rd party insurance.

2. Attorney Lien: Some people choose to ask an attorney for advice. The attorney may take their case and have an attorney lien signed by the patient. The lien is a contract that states the attorney will reimburse WSPT if there is a settlement in the case. If there is no settlement, the patient is responsible for the balance.

3. Self-Pay:
The patient can just choose to pay for their physical therapy treatment outright.

4. Your Personal Insurance:
WSPT accepts most major insurances and will verify your benefits before you begin your therapy.

If my Rx has a different PT company do I have to go to the PT company designated on my prescription?
As long as you have a valid prescription for physical therapy, you can choose what outpatient physical therapy clinic to go to. WSPT is highly recommended among San Diego physicians for our personalized land and water based therapy programs. If you choose WSPT a treatment plan will be customized to fit your needs.
What is a valid prescription?
A valid doctor’s prescription for physical therapy includes the prescribing doctor’s orders for physical therapy duration of those orders. You must use your prescription within 30 days of it being issued to ensure its medical validity. It is best to start your prescribed therapy right way to ensure you can have better progress in your rehabilitation. You may have to go back to your doctor if you have a prescription that is over 30 days old.