Your first visit to Central Coast Physical Therapy

Before your first visit:

1. Check with your insurance to verify that they cover "Out Patient Physical Therapy". Ask the following questions:
   Do you require a doctor's referral?
   Do you require Pre-authorization?
   Do I have a Co-Pay which would be due at the time of each visit?
   What is my deductible and how much have I met this year?
   What is my Co-Insurance?
These answers will help you know your costs for physical therapy.

We are a Preferred Provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Lifewise, Providence, ODS, and many others.

If you are seeing us on a Workers' Compensation or Automobile Accident Claim make sure you have your claim number and agent contact information to give us.

2. Complete the paperwork we mailed you in full and bring it with you. If you did not receive the paperwork in advance, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time in order to allow time to complete it in the office.

3. If your insurance requires it, obtain a Physical Therapy Referral or Order from your physician. Your doctor can give you the Referral or it can be faxed to us at 541-265-3274.

What to Wear to Your PT Appointment

In order to make the most of your physical therapy sessions, we ask that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Exercise wear such as sweats, t-shirts, and shorts are most appropriate.

If you are coming to us directly from work you can change into your "workout clothes" when you arrive here.

We do have shorts and t-shirts available if you forget yours!

Meet Your Therapist and Get Started

Evaluation - Your therapist will start with a specialized and focused evaluation, which involves collecting information about the current problem as well as your general health and personal therapy goals. A physical exam is then conducted to assess range of motion, sensation awareness, pain levels, strength, and your ability to perform specific functional tasks.

Goal Setting - Using information gathered during the evaluation, you and your therapist will establish a treatment plan and therapy goals designed to help you achieve recovery as quickly and safely as possible.

Treatment - Your treatment program will initially focus on relieving your symptoms and on stabilizing your condition. This will be accomplished using a wide range of interventions to facilitate necessary physical changes. Treatment will then progress to strengthening and regaining maximum movement and function. Exercise and strengthening programs are tailored to meet individual goals and to assist in this process. In addition, you will learn ways to prevent future problems and maintain health.

Education - Since your understanding and participation is essential in achieving your treatment goals, you will be taught strategies to take control of your body and its healing process from day one. Education is part of what we do as physical therapists. Expect to receive a home program that will include both flexibility and strengthening techniques.

Communication - Open communication is vital between you and your therapist, and we encourage you to ask questions during the course of your therapy.

Schedule Your Therapy Appointments

Before you leave, you will stop by the reception desk and schedule your therapy appointments. Depending upon your physician and therapist recommendations, this may be 2 or 3 times a week for anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks. In order to get appointment times that fit into your life, you'll be asked to schedule your appointments in advance. So bring your calendar with you!