Education

What to expect on your first Physical Therapy visit

Physical Therapy

Your First Visit to Arizona Performance Institute: What to Expect

Welcome to Arizona Performance Institute! We’re excited to help you on your journey to better health, whether you’re here for physical therapy, sports performance, or recovery sessions. I’m here to make your experience smooth from the moment you schedule your appointment. Here’s what you can expect, and a few important steps to ensure everything goes seamlessly.

1. Scheduling Your Appointment

Booking your appointment at Arizona Performance Institute is simple! You can call us directly at 480-500-1446, or use our convenient online scheduling system. Whether you’re booking for physical therapy, strength and conditioning, or a recovery session, we’ll find a time that works best for you. If you’re recovering from a knee replacement, hip replacement, or need post-op physical therapy, please let us know!

2. Complete Your Intake Documents

After scheduling, you’ll receive an email with your intake documents. Filling these out before your visit is crucial—it saves time and helps your therapist understand your needs right away. These forms cover your medical history, current symptoms, and any specific goals you have, whether it’s post-op physical therapy for a recent surgery or sports physical therapy to get back in the game. Completing them ahead of time ensures we maximize your treatment session.

3. Understanding Your Financial Responsibility

We want to be transparent about costs, whether you’re paying out of pocket or using insurance.

  • Cash-Pay Patients: We offer straightforward pricing for cash-pay patients. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before your session.
  • Insurance Patients: If you have insurance, we’ll verify your benefits before your appointment. It’s important to understand if you have a deductible to meet, a copay for each visit, or coinsurance.
    What is a Deductible?
    A deductible is the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before your insurance starts to cover costs. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you will need to pay the full cost of your visits until you’ve reached that $1,000. Only after meeting your deductible will your insurance begin to pay its share.
    What is Coinsurance?
    Once your deductible has been met, you may still be responsible for a percentage of the costs, known as coinsurance. For example, if you have a 10% coinsurance, your insurance will cover 90% of the cost, and you will pay the remaining 10%. So, if a session costs $100, you would pay $10, and your insurance would cover $90.
    Copays: Some insurance plans require a copay, which is a fixed amount you pay for each visit, regardless of whether you’ve met your deductible. We’ll explain if a copay applies to your plan.
    Do You Need a Referral?
    While some insurance companies, such as Medicare and Medicaid, require a physician’s referral for physical therapy services, most insurance companies do not. If you’re unsure whether your plan requires a referral, we’re happy to check for you when you call to schedule your appointment.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, our team is happy to help clarify any questions about deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or referral requirements.

4. What to Bring to Your First Appointment

For your first visit, please bring:

  • A valid photo ID
  • Your insurance card (if applicable)
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for movement. We like to get our patients up and active as much as possible!

5. Arriving at Arizona Performance Institute

When you arrive, our friendly front desk team will greet you and ensure all your paperwork is complete. If you’ve already submitted your forms, you’ll be asked to pay for patient responsibility and you'll be ready to start your session without delay. Your therapist will then take you through a personalized assessment and begin your tailored treatment plan, whether you’re recovering from surgery or optimizing your athletic performance.

Ready to Get Started?

Scheduling your appointment is the first step toward feeling better and performing your best. Complete your intake documents early, understand your financial responsibilities, and come prepared to move! Call us today or book online to start your journey at Arizona Performance Institute!