IT'S YOUR CHOICE!

You are the most important member of your own health care team, and you are entitled to choose the most appropriate health care professional to meet your goals. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has provided the following guidelines for choosing a physical therapist for your care.

You have the freedom to choose your own physical therapist. Most states allow you to go directly to a physical therapist without getting a physician's referral first. Currently, 46 states allow people to go directly to a physical therapist without a physician's referral (all but Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma). Keep in mind that your insurance policy may require a visit to the primary care physician first or may limit your access to preferred providers only. Your physician may refer you for physical therapy that is to be provided in the physician's office, or to a facility in which the physician has a financial interest. If this is your situation, be aware that you have the right to choose your own physical therapist and that you are not obligated to receive physical therapy in any specific facility. Always insist that your physical therapy be provided by a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists who are members of APTA are bound by the Association's Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care.

How to Choose a Physical Therapist
Make sure that you receive physical therapy from a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists are professional health care providers who are licensed by the state in which they practice. If you are receiving physical therapy from a physical therapist assistant, be sure that he or she is supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Ask the physical therapist's clinic if it participates with your insurance company. Receiving care from a participating physical therapist should minimize your financial responsibility. There may be good reasons, however, to see a physical therapist who does not participate with your insurance plan. If you need a physical therapist who has special skills related to your particular condition-or if the location or other aspects of the care or the facility meet your needs-this may be a good choice for you. Ask whether the physical therapist's clinic will submit claims on your behalf to your insurance company. Some policies require copayments for services, and the amount of the copayment will depend on whether the physical therapist is part of the insurer's provider network. You also will have to meet your deductible. Your physical therapist's clinic should be able to help you calculate an estimate of your financial responsibilities.

ProCare's team offers:

• Clinical excellence
• Compassionate care
• Thorough evaluations
• Collaboration with your physician
• Convenient appointments
• Access at 12 locations in four counties!