Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for Physical Therapy?
No, in the state of California Physical Therapists can treat via Direct Access for up to 10 visits or 45 days, which ever is shorter. Following that time you will need to be seen by a physician for continued treatment.
Should you receive a referral from your doctor to another clinic, you still have a choice in where you receive PT services and we honor all referrals for PT.
What is the difference between Physical Therapy and Personal Training or Performance Training?
Physical Therapy is the identification and treatment of injured or abnormal tissue and movement through physical means. This may include manual techniques such as joint mobilization, myofascial release, and soft-tissue massage, movement techniques such as strength, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular re-training, and adjunct therapies such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat and cryotherapy.
Personal Training is the enhancement and advancement of your physical potential. It may be used to prevent injury, improvement performance, or achieve or maintain a level of fitness that helps you feel confident in your abilities and/or appearance. Modalities may include exercise, stretching, which at times may be manually facilitated.
If your Personal Trainer is claiming to diagnose or treat an injury they are operating outside their scope of practice.
What will my insurance cover?
With the exception of Medicare clients, the Movement Arts Clinic is an out-of-network provider or "Cash Based" clinic, which means we are paid directly for services rendered. If you would like, while undergoing Physical Therapy treatment you will receive detailed bills with diagnosis and treatment codes as well as the necessary paperwork to seek re-imbursment from your insurer.
Personal Training and Performance Training does not include diagnosis and is considered a preventative service. Most insurances will not cover personal training.
Each individual's plan is different and you should check with your provider before beginning treatment if interested in seeking re-imbursment.
Why "Cash Based"?
Today's current insurance systems encourage volume over quality of care, and essentially when the insurance company is footing the bill they are the consumer and not you. Going "cash based" means we can focus on treatment and not on billing, it means your satisfaction in our services has tangible value.