Physician Info

Physician Info

How Long After I Refer A Patient Will My Patient Be Seen In Physical Therapy?

In most cases patients are scheduled within 24 hours. On an emergency basis, we will see the
patient that day. Unfortunately, with today’s managed care, some insurance companies don’t allow this timely scheduling secondary to pre-certification requirements. Please call us if there is any question.

How Do I Refer A Patient To Physical Therapy?

Simply give the patient a prescription and have your office staff or the patient call us and they will be promptly scheduled.

What Other Information Would Be Helpful To The Physical Therapist On The Prescription?

Other than a clinical diagnosis if known, the only other information we need is:

  • Weight bearing restrictions for post-surgical and post-fracture patients

  • Fracture status

  • ROM restrictions for post-surgical patients

  • Degrees of resistance allowed for post-surgical patient (e.g., active, passive or resisted)

  • Expected limits in ROM if any, for a final outcome on a post-surgical patient

  • Type of surgical procedure and/or type of internal fixation used

  • Specific requests for splints or braces


Do You Need Operative, MRI or X-Ray Reports?

Operative reports, X-rays and/or MRI reports are always helpful, but are not absolutely necessary. Any vital information can be written directly on the referral as outlined in the previous question.

How Do I Know the Frequency and Duration To Refer My Patient?

In most cases it is best to leave specific duration and frequency up to the physical therapist.

How Will I Know if my Patient is Progressing?

The patient will be periodically re-evaluated and updated reports will be sent. Frequency of
reports will depend upon the chronicity and nature of the problem. Re-evaluations and reports
will also be sent prior to any follow -up visit you have scheduled with the patient. If you would
like reports or updates more frequently and/or verbally, please call or write it on your referral.

Can I Refer for a Consultation?

Absolutely. Simply tell your patient you would like them to be seen by a physical therapist to see
if therapy can be helpful. We will evaluate the patient and either call or send you a report. Please feel free to call us first for general information and intervention options for an individual patient or for more general information on various diagnoses or types of problems.


How Do I Know What Kind of Treatment I Should Suggest?

Decisions about specific interventions, duration and frequency of visits are best left to the
physical therapist. You can explain to your patient that the physical therapist will evaluate them and identify any problems such as pain, weakness, loss of motion, loss of function, gait problems, etc. The physical therapist will explain all aspects of the treatment plan to the patient and will send you a report with an outline of their care. Any specific requests you make will be incorporated in the patient’s program if appropriate.