What To Do For Your First Visit

1. You first need to check with your insurance company to find out if they require a prescription for physical therapy from your doctor. (See "Insurance Information for Patients" in this section.)


2. Download the PDF forms by clicking on downloadable forms.


3. DO NOT WORRY if you are unable to print the forms. Just let us know when you call so we can schedule time to help you with them when you come.


4. Call us at 518-695-4072 to schedule an appointment.


5. Fill the forms out completely. Complete health information gives us a better picture of what your body is experiencing. Please DO NOT assume information is not necessary. If you do not understand what we are asking, why we need the information or if you are hesitant to provide the information, PLEASE call before you come and talk to us about this, if you are bringing the forms in with you.


6. Bring your insurance cards with any Workers' Compensation or No Fault information.


7. Bring the completed forms and your medication list with exact names and amounts of medication and how often you take them during the day. Also bring any required paperwork by your insurance company. (See "Insurance Information for Patients" in this section).


8. Bring your copay with you in the form of cash or checks. We do not accept credit cards.


9. Wear loose clothing so it is easy to change into examination clothes or completely expose the area which the physical therapist needs to evaluate. Denim material can interfere with movement if on the body part being examined.


10. Please come on time.

downloadable forms


What To Expect During Your First Visit

You will be met by Gail (look for the friendly, smiling face!) at the front desk. She will review and help you finish all paperwork, including releases. You may present any questions up to this point to Gail for her to answer or refer to Dr. Gabriel.

When Dr. Gabriel is ready for you, you will be brought to a room. Dr. Gabriel will review the paperwork and ask you questions, if clarification is necessary. You will receive a physical examination and explanations of what is being done and what will be planned for the treatment. You must be responsible for asking questions if you do not understand what is being said, done or planned.

Expect the first visit to take about an hour, outside of paperwork. You will then go back to see Gail to schedule the appointments to get your therapy plan in action.


Insurance Information for Patients

We at North Country Physical Therapy understand that insurance coverage can be very confusing. Below you will find a few of the insurance providers of which we are members, and what you will need in order to come for treatment. If your insurance company is not listed, please give us a call or call your insurance company to see if we are able to accept your insurance.

With the recently signed Direct Access Law, some insurance companies no longer require that you obtain a script from your physician in order to seek physical therapy treatment. However, if you do not have a script, Dr. Gabriel is allowed to treat you for 10 visits or 30 days (whichever comes first), after which time you will need to get a script from your physician.

NO INSURANCE
You DO NOT have to have insurance to come here. We will work with you to arrange a personal payment plan. Please call our office for details.

CDPHP (Capital District Physicians Health Plan)

You are no longer required to have a physician's script to seek physical therapy treatment. However, in most cases you will still need a CDPHP referral from your primary care physician.

http://www.cdphp.com

MVP

You do not need a physician's script or an MVP referral to seek physical therapy treatment.
http://www.mvphealthcare.com

MEDICARE

You will need a physician's script in order to seek physical therapy treatment.

http://www.umd.nycpic.com

EMPIRE BLUE CROSS

You do not need a physician's script nor a Blue Cross referral in order to seek physical therapy treatment.

http://www.empireblue.com

EMPIRE PLAN (NYS Employees)

You do not need a physician's script in order to seek physical therapy treatment.
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/ebd/welcome/login.cfm

BSNENY (BLUE SHIELD of NORTHEASTERN NY)

Some plans require a physician's script and some do not. Please call Blue Shield to see if you will need one.
http://www.bsneny.com

If your insurance provider is not listed above, please contact our office or your insurance provider to verify coverage (not all insurances are listed). Please be aware that it is your responsibility to know what coverage you have and what you will need in order to receive treatment.