Preparing for Your First Appointment
At Health Shift in Apple Valley, St. Paul, Summit Hill (St. Paul), Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, MN, & New Richmond, Eau Claire and River Falls, WI, our dedicated physical therapy team is focused on identifying the root cause of your condition and creating a personalized treatment plan to help you regain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
To ensure a smooth first visit, please take note of the following:
- Arrive Early: Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete your paperwork.
- Prepare Questions: Make a list of any questions you’d like to ask during your first meeting.
- Bring Necessary Documents: Don’t forget your photo ID and insurance card. Call our office ahead of time to verify your insurance benefits at 763-420-4111.
- Share Your Medical History: Be ready to discuss your medical history, previous treatments, current medications, and any relevant details.
- List Your Symptoms: Consider listing symptoms, limitations, and any activities or positions that exacerbate or alleviate your condition. Include how long you have been experiencing this issue and if you’ve had similar problems in the past.
The more information you can provide, the better equipped our therapists will be to assist you.
Direct Access
See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral
Did you know you can visit a physical therapist directly without a referral? Regardless of whether your issue is new or longstanding, you can schedule a visit at Health Shift in Apple Valley, St. Paul, Summit Hill (St. Paul), Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, MN, & New Richmond, Eau Claire and River Falls, WI today!
Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without needing approval from your physician. This means you can bypass unnecessary delays and start your recovery sooner.
Benefits of Direct Access
- Time-Saving: No need to wait for a doctor’s appointment or referral.
- Cost-Effective: You can avoid additional copays by seeing a therapist directly.
- Increased Satisfaction: Research shows that patients often report higher satisfaction when utilizing Direct Access for physical therapy.
Health insurance can be complex, but Direct Access is generally covered by many private health insurance plans. Always verify your specific coverage before your visit. For more information, feel free to contact us!
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
At Health Shift, our goal is to make your first appointment as smooth and informative as possible. You’ll receive personalized care and a clear understanding of your treatment plan. Expect a thorough evaluation and a collaborative approach to your recovery.
Your initial visit in Apple Valley, St. Paul, Summit Hill (St. Paul), Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, MN, & New Richmond, Eau Claire or River Falls, WI will feel similar to arriving at any medical office. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- Check-In: Upon arrival, register at the front desk and provide your insurance information and any other relevant paperwork, such as referrals or medical reports.
- Initial Evaluation: You’ll have a comprehensive evaluation one on one with your doctor of physical therapy, who will assess your medical history, current condition and your goals.
- Physical Examination: Our therapist will conduct a thorough physical examination to evaluate your range of motion, strength, and movement patterns.
- Treatment Plan: On your second visit based on your history, physical evaluation, and goals, we will develop a tailored path and plan and discuss it with you. This will include a visual aid of your interventions and education and instruction on how your treatments are going to help you achieve your goals.
- Ongoing Sessions: After your initial evaluation and second visit, we will schedule your subsequent sessions and discuss how we can optimize your therapy to help you achieve your goals..
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
Want to Save Time? To expedite your first visit, consider filling out your patient forms online.
Scheduling
How to Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to take the first step? Contact Health Shift today to schedule your appointment. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit.
Next Steps
After Your Initial Visit
Once you’ve completed your first appointment, our team will guide you through the next steps in your treatment journey. We will schedule your second appointment “the report of findings” where your doctor recaps the conditions and goals talked about on your first visit, along with laying out the path and plan on how to get you better, and your first treatment will be given. All follow up appointments are to provide ongoing support to ensure you achieve your goals and progress visits will be scheduled to monitor progress.
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Payment Options
Insurance
Health Shift accepts most major health insurance policies. Please call our office to confirm your specific plan coverage.
Health Partners
Medica
Blue Cross Blue Shield
(EPO, HMO, POS, ACA exchange, and PPO plans)
Medicare
United Healthcare
Unicare
Tricare
Golden Rule
Fiserv Health
Aetna
Great-West
Definity Health
Coventry
Cigna
Solarte – Amplify
Humana
First Health
Southcare
Private Pay Options
For patients without insurance or those who have exhausted their benefits, we offer a private pay plan. Contact us today for more information on service rates and payment options!
CareCredit – Financing Available
We are proud to accept CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed to help you manage out-of-pocket costs. CareCredit offers flexible financing options, allowing you to receive the care you need now and pay over time.
For more information or to apply, visit CareCredit’s website or ask our team for assistance.
Cash-Based Physical Therapy
At Health Shift, we prioritize your needs through a cash-based model, allowing for direct payment for services. This model offers several advantages:
- Improved Relationships: By cutting out insurance intermediaries, we can focus on you getting better, stronger and healthier.
- Control Over Treatment: Therapists can tailor treatment based on your specific needs without insurance limitations.
- Simpler Billing: The billing process is straightforward, freeing up more time for therapy.
- Price Transparency: You’ll know upfront the cost of your treatment, aiding in better financial planning.
While some may prefer insurance coverage, we also provide services under that model for those who choose it.
See How Health Shift has helped individuals across Minnesota and Wisconsin
Refer a Friend
Spread the Word!
If you know someone in Apple Valley, St. Paul, Summit Hill (St. Paul), Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, MN, & New Richmond, Eau Claire or River Falls, WI who could benefit from physical therapy, we offer a “Gift of Health Card” that allows you to share your experience with no out of pocket cost to them. Fill out the form below to refer a friend, and we will reach out to provide more information on how we can assist them.
FAQs
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a treatment approach aimed at improving mobility, flexibility, and stability to restore function to the muscle system through various techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, and education. It is often used to treat injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, movement issues, balance and coordination problems.
What conditions can physical therapy treat?
Physical therapy can effectively treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to orthopedic injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, neurological disorders, sports injuries, chronic pain, and balance or coordination issues.
How do I know if I need physical therapy?
If you are experiencing pain, limited mobility, or difficulty performing daily activities, you may benefit from physical therapy. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine if physical therapy is appropriate for your situation.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
During your first appointment, the physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history and a physical assessment of your condition. They will then develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
How long do physical therapy sessions typically last?
Physical therapy sessions last about 40 minutes, depending on the specific treatment and individual needs.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required varies based on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Your therapist will provide a recommended treatment plan, which may be adjusted as you progress.
Will physical therapy hurt?
While some discomfort may occur during treatment, especially if you are recovering from an injury, physical therapy should not be excessively painful. Your therapist will work within your comfort level and modify techniques as needed.
Do I need a referral from a doctor to see a physical therapist?
In many cases, you can see a physical therapist without a referral. However, some insurance plans may require a physician’s referral. Check with your insurance provider and the physical therapy clinic to understand their policies.
Can physical therapy help with chronic pain?
Yes, physical therapy can be beneficial for managing chronic pain. Therapists use various techniques to address underlying issues, improve function, and teach coping strategies to help manage pain more effectively.
How can I prepare for my physical therapy appointment?
To prepare for your appointment, wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. Bring any relevant medical documents, a list of medications, and any questions you may have for your therapist.
What can I do at home to complement my physical therapy?
Our physical therapist may provide you with exercises and activities to do at home. Following their guidance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying active can significantly enhance your recovery.
Will my insurance cover physical therapy?
Most insurance plans provide coverage for physical therapy, but the extent of coverage can vary. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
What if I do not have insurance?
Health Shift won’t turn a patient away for this reason!
If you do not have insurance, that’s okay. For patients who do not have insurance, we offer cash-based options due at the time of service.
Please get in touch with our Apple Valley, St. Paul, Summit Hill (St. Paul), Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, MN, & New Richmond, Eau Claire or River Falls, WI clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!