FAQS

No. California direct-access law does not require you to see a physician prior to seeing a physical therapist. The physical therapist may see you for 45 days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first. After that point, you or your physical therapist will need a physician’s referral to continue therapy. This process is usually fairly simple.  You can rest assured your physical therapist is well trained to assess for signs and symptoms that may be best referred to a physician. However, if you do have a physical therapy referral or prescription, it may be helpful for your therapist to see.

​

Please see the Direct Access Disclosure for more information.

​

Note: The Direct Access Disclosure is ONLY for those seeking Physical Therapy Televisits, it does NOT apply to Performance Training. 

WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?

Telehealth is a way to visit with healthcare providers, such as your doctor or nurse practitioner. You can talk to your provider from any place, including your home. You don’t go to a clinic or hospital.

​

Through this platform, our visits will be held through the encrypted ZOOM Cloud Meetings platform.

NOTE: You will need to download the ZOOM Cloud Meetings to your phone, tablet, or computer prior to our visit. 

​

You can find more information on the Telehealth Terms page.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TELEVISIT?

Cost effectiveness

• The average bout of PT can add up to $1,000-$1600 dollars! Telehealth provides an affordable alternative to receiving the care you need from the comfort of your own home, for as long as you need it. 

Convenience

• Busy schedule? Unpredictable work hours? Childcare? These things can limit your time and ability to drive to a clinic, spend an hour there, and make it back in time to do the rest of your things! Physical therapy WHEN you need it. Period.

Access to a Specialist

• Geographic location can limit your access to a specialist, or the top 9% therapists. Now you can see one right from your smart device.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY TELEVISIT?

Any prior paperwork you have received regarding your condition from your doctor or other healthcare professional including a referral to physical therapy, imaging results (I.e. x-ray, MRI, ultrasound results), or past physical therapy. This information is not necessary, but can be helpful for your physical therapist.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

At this time, this is a cash-pay service. However, there are numerous benefits to this such as:

• You can get as many PT visits as you want! It is not limited by what insurance decides you need.

• More time and attention with a therapist, 1:1 versus meeting with a therapist simultaneously treating 3-4 other patients.

• Treatment to a full body approach, not just 1 body part as limited by insurance companies.

• Better outcomes and faster recovery because of a more focused approach.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY VISIT?

Please wear something comfortable that you can exercise and move comfortably in. You may wear shoes if that is more comfortable for you, but your physical therapist may ask you to remove them briefly for evaluation purposes.

WHAT CONDITIONS DO YOU TREAT?

Due to the fact telehealth can be limiting, the scope of treatment is best kept to mild to moderate strains and sprains, non-immediate post-operative cases, and fitness/wellness cases. If you're not sure, send an email and we can see if you're a good fit! Additionally you can see below for more info.

WHAT IF I HAD SURGERY?

You should ask your physician if seeing a physical therapist over telehealth is right for you. If your surgery was >1 year ago or you are concurrently seeing a physical therapist, telehealth may still be appropriate.

I BOUGHT A BUNDLE, BUT I CAN'T SEE IT IN MY ACCOUNT. WHERE IS IT?

If you've purchased a bundle, it will show up at the Bookings Checkout screen with the calendar open only when you've selected to schedule the service that your bundle includes.

For example, if you purchased a 10-pack Personal Fitness Training, you would go to schedule by selecting "1 hr Personal Fitness Training." To the right of the calendar, it will display how many more services are left in your package. 

​

If you can't remember the bundle you've purchased, you can email info@drmalekpt.com to inquire or recheck your email (or spam folder!) for your confirmation. 

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION/RESCHEDULING POLICY?

Cancellations & reschedules up to 12 hours before your appointment time are allowed, however a 24-hour notice is appreciated to allow other clients to schedule as well.

You can reschedule your appointment by logging into Your Account, and rescheduling from the Bookings page from there. You can also email directly for these changes.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!

Please feel free to email info@drmalekpt.com your questions if anything was missed.