Question 1

I was referred somewhere else, can I still come to Performance Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Under "The Patient's Bill of Rights" law, you have the freedom to select the physical therapy clinic that suits your needs. While doctors or insurance providers may suggest a particular clinic, you are not required to adhere to their recommendations. Your essential patient rights safeguard your ability to make informed choices about your treatment, ensuring you receive care with respect and confidentiality. Simply let your doctor know that you have chosen our office for your physical therapy needs and they will fax your referral over to our clinic.

Question 2

Do I need a referral for Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

With Direct Access, you can receive treatment from a physical therapist without needing a doctor's referral or prescription. This legal right allows patients in all fifty states to directly access physical therapy services and programs.

However, it's important to note that some insurance carriers may still require a referral or prescription. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements. You can schedule a Direct Access appointment with us before checking though!

Question 3

Will my Insurance cover the cost of physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

We know that dealing with insurance can be complicated, so our team at Performance Physical Therapy is here to assist you with any questions and offer guidance. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider to confirm coverage details based on your policy.

Coverage is typically dependent on several factors such as if you have met your out-of-pocket or deductible expenses for the year, and if you have a copay for physical therapy. When we check your benefits, we will have a good idea of what your coverage might look like but ultimately do not know the end cost to you until your insurance company processes your claims.

Question 4

How long does physical therapy take to work?

Accepted Answer

We understand that you're eager to return to the activities you love. However, physical therapy can sometimes be a slow process, depending on the nature of your treatment. At Performance Physical Therapy, our evidence-based approach focuses on finding the most effective and proven methods, but some injuries and conditions naturally take longer to rehabilitate.

It's important to note that we aim to treat the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. This deeper level of treatment may take more time, but it ensures lasting results.

Our therapists will collaborate with you to develop a solution that is both effective and safe. You play a crucial role in speeding up your recovery by attending all scheduled therapy sessions and following your therapist's instructions, such as completing at-home exercises and avoiding activities that can aggravate your injury.

We are dedicated to helping you succeed. Our team is committed to optimizing your fitness and achieving your goals. Whether your treatment takes a few weeks or several months, you can trust that every method we use is scientifically backed and proven to be effective.

Question 5

What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

-Complete your forms in advance: Once you schedule your evaluation, we will email you a link to fill out your paperwork. If you can't do this or lack computer access, arrive early to complete them on-site.
-Arrive early: Arriving at least 10 minutes early will give you time to finish any remaining paperwork, ensuring you have more time with our specialists. Arriving late will unfortunately shorten your appointment time unless we have available time after your appointment.
-Bring relevant medical records: If you've consulted a physician or other healthcare provider for your condition, bring any related medical records or imaging reports. This will help our physical therapists understand your condition better and create a personalized treatment plan.
-Bring your insurance card: If you plan to use insurance, bring your insurance card (unless you are able to upload a photo while filling out online paperwork).
-Wear comfortable attire: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. This will enable our physical therapists to conduct a thorough physical assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan.
-Define your goals: Our approach is most effective if you have clear goals. Spend some time considering what you want to achieve during your sessions with us. This will help us create a customized plan to meet your needs.
-Bring questions: We encourage you to come prepared with any questions or concerns for your first appointment. Our physical therapists are here to explain your treatment and condition, helping you get the most out of your therapy.
-Motor Vehicle and Workers' Compensation: If you have a case related to an automobile accident or worker's compensation, bring contact names, phone numbers, and claim numbers for your case manager or insurance adjuster.

Question 6

How long does each appointment take?

Accepted Answer

We offer personalized, evidence-based care to all our patients. Your first appointment will take between 40 minutes and 1 hour. This allows our therapists to perform a thorough physical assessment, understand your specific needs, and create a customized treatment plan. Follow-up appointments typically last about 40 minutes.

The frequency and duration of your visits will be tailored to your individual needs. Initially, we recommend more frequent visits to ensure optimal progress, as discussed with your therapist.

As you progress, you will typically see your therapist one to two times per week, with fewer visits and longer intervals between them over time.

At Performance Physical Therapy, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness and performance goals through consistent physical therapy sessions.

Question 7

Do you treat my condition at your clinic?

Accepted Answer

At Performance Physical Therapy, our evidence-based physical therapy services treat various conditions and ailments. Our highly-trained, expert therapists specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and will help you return to your active lifestyle.

We treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

-Sports injuries
-Sports and athletic conditioning
-Post-surgical rehabilitation
-Pre-surgical treatment (“pre-hab”)
-Back pain
-Neck pain
-Shoulder pain
-Knee pain
-Hip pain
-Arthritis
-Balance and coordination issues
-Neurological disorders such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease
-And more

If you are unsure whether we treat your specific condition, don’t hesitate to contact us; we will be happy to discuss your options and determine whether physical therapy is right for you.

At Performance Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.

Question 8

How do you track my progress?

Accepted Answer

At Performance Physical Therapy, we prioritize an evidence-based approach to physical therapy, making progress tracking a vital part of our process. Maintaining detailed records is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of your treatment and determining if any adjustments are needed.

We will monitor improvements in your physical abilities, functional movements, and overall fitness to ensure you are making progress. Depending on your specific treatment goals, we will likely track most of the following:

-Range of motion

-Strength

-Blood Pressure/Heart Rate

-Agility

-Specific movements of various exercises

-Pain or swelling

Our therapists will assist you in setting clear, achievable goals for your therapy sessions, providing a comprehensive understanding of your objectives. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes in your performance, function, and overall health.

Question 9

How can I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

At Performance Physical Therapy, we make it easy to get you evaluated in a convenient and timely manner. With various appointment times, including morning and evening options, we’re committed to accommodating your busy schedule.

To book your appointment, give us a call at (360)714-0870 or click the "book an appointment" button through our user-friendly online platform. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you and answer any questions.

Question 10

What if I do not have insurance?

Accepted Answer

At Performance Physical Therapy, we believe that everyone deserves access to unparalleled care, regardless of their insurance status. For patients without insurance, we offer discounted cash-based options payable at the time of service. Don’t hesitate to contact our office for further details, or check out the Insurance/Billing page for pricing information.

Question 11

What sets Performance Physical Therapy apart?

Accepted Answer

There are many options here in Bellingham when it comes to Physical Therapy. Patients continually return to us at Performance Physical Therapy because we stand apart from the rest. We staff expert, experienced physical therapists who are highly passionate about their profession and possess the know-how that drive better results time after time. Additionally, our facility is equipped with a full size gym and all of the equipment necessary to tackle any injury.  Top that with a friendly, supportive environment and administration staff to make every other aspect of physical therapy a breeze, and you will find out that we truly do stand above the rest. We are proud to have been serving the Whatcom County community for nearly 30 years.

Question 12

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that sometimes circumstances make attending your scheduled appointment difficult or not possible. In the event of an emergency or illness, please notify our clinic at least 24 hours before your appointment time to avoid any fees.

Please note that a non-refundable charge of $60 dollars may be applied to missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Missed or no-show appointment will also incur this fee. New for 2024, if you are not able to give us 24 hours notice due to unforeseen circumstances, but our team is able to fill your appointment slot, we will waive your cancelation fee.

At Performance Physical Therapy, we want to accommodate all our patients while maintaining a smooth and efficient schedule. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Question 13

What clinic policies should I be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that these policies are followed allows for our clinic to maintain an efficient, supportive, and safe treatment space for all of our clients. It also allows you and your physical therapist to focus on what's important: getting you back to 100%. Please take note of the following policies:

-COVID-19 Policy: If you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please call us to reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.

-Privacy Policy: We take your privacy seriously and maintain a HIPAA-compliant facility to ensure that your healthcare information remains confidential. Please let our front desk know if you would like to review our privacy policy.

-Payment Policy: Payment is due at the time of service. If your insurance plan has a copay, it is due at check in for your appointment. Self pay patients are also expected to pay at time of service. We accept cash, check, or credit card. If billing your insurance, your visit cost will take time to process through insurance, but if any balance remains after processing you will receive a email and mailed statement.

-Arrival Policy: Please be prepared to arrive at least 10 minutes early for any evaluation appointment, and 5 minutes early for any follow up appointment. Late arrival may result in a canceled appointment or shortened appointment time to accommodate other patients on the schedule.

-Cancelation Policy: 24 hours notice is required to cancel any scheduled appointment. Cancelations within 24 hours of your appointment, or no-showed appointments, will result in a $60 fee added to your account. If you have to cancel within 24 hours and we are able to fill your appointment slot, we will waive the fee.

Frequently asked questions