"Where can I go for physical therapy?"
I am the co-owner of a private physical therapy practice in West Hartford, CT. We have a very loyal following. I feel we have this following because we do things differently. Our focus is on patient care not volume of patients, and that separates us from many of our competitors. How does this brief "pat-on-the-back" lead into the question posted above? Let me see if I can make the connection.
It is no secret that physicians referring patients to physical therapy is how our system works. Most companies that I have worked for had their top 3. Top 3 referring physicians. I can honestly say that my number 1 referral source is past patients, not a list of referring physicians.
When a patient is returning to see me for pain, functional loss, or post surgery, they always say, "my physician tried to tell me I had to go to his physical therapist, but I told him that I was going to see Paul." Is that possible? A physician writes a prescription for physical therapy with a company logo on it, and you go elsewhere?
You, the patient and consumer have the option to see any physical therapist you choose. As we all do with our healthcare, make sure the physical therapist is listed as a provider in our insurance network, then we begin treatment.
Answer these questions the next time you see a physical therapist:
1. Are you receiving good care (service)?
2. Do you see only one physical therapist or physical therapy assistant?
3. Are you happy where you are receiving care?
4. Do you have fun during your treatment sessions?
The bottom line is you are the most important referral. You need to be happy with where you select to receive physical therapy treatment. If you are not satisfied with your service, it is your right to seek physical therapy services that are right for you.
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