FAQ's

Do I need a prescription to attend physical therapy? 

In Georgia, a physical therapist can see you for an initial evaluation without a doctor’s referral.  However, a prescription from an M.D. is necessary to receive treatment. A prescription for therapy is like a prescription for medicine. You can take it to receive care anywhere you like!   

What should I wear to PT? 

In general, wear loose, comfortable clothing. Specifically, if your treatment is for:

• Neck - loose shirt with a loose collar, or you may change into a gown
• Shoulder - for women, wearing a sports bra or tank top may make it unnecessary to change into a gown
• Hip/Knee/Ankle/Foot - loose shorts 
• Back - loose fitting pants and shirt   

How long will each treatment last?  

Treatment sessions typically last from 45 minutes to an hour or more per visit.  

How many visits will I need? 

Depending on your diagnosis, you may need PT once or regularly for months. Your physician (who referred you to therapy) will be the ultimate prescriber of frequency and duration of treatment.   

Why should I go to a private practice physical therapist? 

In a large, or physician-owned clinic, you might see a different therapist or PTA at every visit. They can’t be aware of all the details of your treatment and progress. In a small clinic, seeing the same PT every visit, your treatment is overseen by someone intimately aware of your response to each treatment and your overall progress.  

In physician-owned practices, therapists don’t need to “earn” their business. They have a steady stream of referrals to rely on, and results aren’t quite as critical when physicians profit from the treatment regardless of the outcome.  

Recent studies showed that: 

• the number of visits per patient were 39% to 45% higher in physician owned clinics and the cost was greater for those patients that attended a physician owned physical therapy practice (both gross and net revenue per patient were 30% to 40% higher as well) 
• licensed and non-licensed therapy providers spent less time with each patient in physician owned clinics and physical therapy assistants were more often substituted for physical therapists.     

Mitchell, J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992. "Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida," State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991. Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 -  "Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida," State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991. Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 -    

How much does Physical Therapy cost? 

Your health insurance will usually cover at least part of your treatment. You may have a copay or coinsurance, and a deductible, depending on your plan. When you call our office to schedule an appointment, we’ll ask for your insurance information. By the time you arrive for your first appointment we’ll be able to let you know what to expect.   

Do you take my Insurance? 

The “Insurance” link lists MOST of the plans we accept. Things are always changing in this business, so give us a call at (404) 297-9315 to see if we can take your plan.  

Should I bring my X-Rays or MRI films? 

Yes, and bring the report if you have it. Also, be sure to bring any instructions or paperwork from your physician.  

Can I fill out my paperwork before my appointment? 

Yes! Just click the link for “Patient Forms.” Download them, print them and fill them out. It will save some time when you come for your first appointment!  

Is it OK to bring my child with me to PT? 

For safety reasons, only patients and their caregivers can be allowed in our treatment rooms and gym. So if you need to bring a child, someone needs to be able to stay with them in the waiting area. If a patient is under the age of 18, a parent/guardian should be present during physical therapy treatment.