What To Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Visit
Each treatment is one-on-one for approximately 50-55 minutes. The treatment plan is highly individualized and depends on the specific diagnosis of each patient.
During your first visit/initial evaluation, we will discuss the reason that you’re seeking physical therapy, your general health & medical history, your daily activities, etc. During the objective portion of the evaluation, the following may be assessed (including, but not limited to):
- Gait (walking) pattern
- Posture
- AROM (active range of motion)
- PROM (passive range of motion)
- Strength
- Reflex testing
- Sensation testing
- Soft tissue extensibility & flexibility, fascial restrictions
- Joint mobility
- Functional movements
Please Be On Time!
- Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete the initial paperwork
- Please bring your insurance card(s), a driver’s license/identification, and a copy of any relevant medical imaging results, physician orders, etc.
What should I wear to physical therapy?
Please wear exercise attire or clothing that you can easily move around in & make sure that the body part that is ailing you can be exposed while maintaining modesty. If you are a Physical Therapy patient and are being treated for a(n):
Upper body (neck, upper back or shoulder) issue, you should wear a t-shirt or tank top. Similarly, for a hip, knee or ankle issue, be prepared to roll up your pants to expose both knees or bring shorts.
Lower back issue, be prepared to wear pants with an elastic waistband plus a shirt that easily lifts so the therapist can fully evaluate the movement of your spine.
Doing your PT “homework”
Starting with your first visit, not only will you be educated on the objective findings from the initial evaluation, but you will also be assigned your “homework.” It is our philosophy to not overwhelm you with too much homework and instead give you 2 or 3 things that are specific to your needs to help you get better! As you improve with each visit, your exercises will likely be modified depending on your progress. Your individual home exercise program will be advanced similar to passing through a grade level in school. You have to master each level in order to move on. We both have our responsibilities in making that happen!
Direct Access to Physical Therapy
The state of Tennessee has direct access which allows a patient to be evaluated by a physical therapist without a physician referral (effective July 1, 2007). Although it is not a requirement by the state, some insurance companies require a physician referral in order to reimburse for physical therapy services.
If you are planning on filing your own insurance, it is important to determine whether your insurance company requires a doctor’s referral in order to be treated by a physical therapist. Please contact your insurance company yourself prior to starting physical therapy to find out the policy for “outpatient physical therapy.”
If you would like to be evaluated without a physician’s referral, you may be treated unless the therapist feels there is a need for further diagnostic testing or evaluation. If you are under the direct care of a physician, your initial evaluation & appropriate updates findings will be communicated to your physician.
Payment and Insurance for Physical Therapy
For physical therapy services P3 files with ALL insurance companies, but is only in network with traditional Medicare and some Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans especially those in the state of Tennessee.
*Any advantage plan – including Medicare advantage and BCBS advantage – is considered out of network
BCBS & Medicare Insurance Carriers
The patient is responsible for his or her payment (deductible, co-insurance and/or co-payment) at the time of service, and P3 will file the claim to these insurance companies.
We do NOT want money to be the reason that you miss out on getting the true care that you need! We offer payment plans and will work with you/your budget on an individual basis!
OUT OF NETWORK INSURANCE CARRIERS
P3 happily accepts all other insurances on a self-pay basis.
You may be eligible for reimbursement depending on your individual plan
(call the phone # on the back of your insurance card and ask about “out of network benefits”).
As of 2025, the initial visit is $190, follow up visits are $140 and re-evaluations (legally required) are $150.
If dry needling is performed, an additional fee may be applied.
All rates are subject to change.
CANCELLATION / ABBREVIATED SESSION POLICIES
P3 requires advance notice of at least 24 business-hours to cancel an appointment.
P3 Precision Physical Therapy & Pilates, LLC is committed to providing exceptional care.
Unfortunately, when one patient cancels an appointment without enough notice, they prevent another patient from being seen. These fees are not covered by insurance and are the sole responsibility of the patient. Fees must be paid prior to your next visit.
Late Cancellation / Missed Appointment:
If notice is given within 24 business-hours of your appointment time, or you fail to attend, you will be responsible for a $100.00 fee.
Late Arrival / Early Departure:
If a patient is unable to be present for 40 minutes of a scheduled appointment you may still receive treatment but will be responsible for an additional $50.00 fee.
If there are 3 or more late cancellations or missed appointments, there is a risk of discharge at the physical therapist’s, clinic’s, or owner’s discretion.
SESSIONS WITH P3 OWNER
Session rates with the owner will vary for any new PT patients and/or Pilates clients
ATTENTION MEDICARE PATIENTS
Due to Medicare rules, we are required to know your Medicare number,
health care practitioner information,
and complete list of medications/supplements.
A Medicare “Advantage” plan is not traditional Medicare and will be billed on an out of network basis.