Frequently Asked Questions

No referral is required to start physical therapy at MOTION. We offer direct access, which means you can schedule an appointment without first seeing your doctor. However, some insurance plans may still require a referral. Medicare, Medicaid, and No- Fault cases are not eligible for Direct Access. It’s always a good idea to check your specific plan or call our team for assistance.

You can simply request an appointment online or call us to speak with a new patient liaison. If you received a referral, please bring it with you on your first visit. Our front desk team will help with insurance verification and make sure your plan of care is aligned with your doctor’s recommendation.

We believe in teamwork when it comes to your recovery. Our therapists regularly share updates with your doctor, including your initial evaluation and progress notes. If needed, we also reach out via phone or fax. This ensures your treatment plan is consistent with your doctor’s recommendations and that you receive continuity of care from all professionals supporting you.

Our therapists are all fully licensed physical and occupational therapists, and many have additional specialty certifications in areas like pelvic floor therapy, orthopedics, hand therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation. Some of our locations also have licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), who are highly trained and licensed professionals. Because each MOTION clinic offers different specialties, we encourage you to visit our location page to learn more about each clinic’s staff, their certifications, and the specific services available near you.

Yes, many times they do. In fact, we will verify your benefits for you. When you walk in for your first visit, your benefits will be explained to you thoroughly. This service is complimentary to you, and the purpose is that there will be no mystery surrounding your benefits. If you have a specific question about your plan please first consult our insurance list and second, give us a call if you are still wondering!

1. Look for your insurance plan on our accepted insurance page.
2. A scheduler can check if your insurance is accepted when you call to schedule your visit.

Co-pays are due at the time of service, per your insurance plan. If you have any outstanding balances, you may be asked to pay your balance or make payment arrangements.

The time it takes to receive an invoice varies depending on your health plan, usually anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Your health plan determines if you are financially responsible for a portion of services based on your deductible and coverage. Your insurance company should provide an Explanation of Benefits informing you of claims submitted, how much will be paid by the insurance company, and how much you will owe. Once your insurance company has processed the information, you will receive an invoice. You will receive your bills in the mail, and they will also be accessible via MyChart in NY only.

Your first appointment will include a full, comprehensive evaluation so we can understand what’s causing your pain and build a personalized treatment plan that works for you. We ask that you arrive 15–20 minutes early so you have time to complete any remaining paperwork and review your insurance benefits. You can save time by completing your new patient forms online before your first visit.

During the evaluation, your therapist will take time to learn about your medical history, listen to your concerns, and perform a detailed assessment to understand the root cause of your symptoms. This information helps us create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals.

You’ll then begin your initial treatment session. This usually includes guided exercises and stretches that focus on building strength, improving mobility, and reducing pain. Depending on your condition, your therapist may also incorporate other techniques to support your recovery.

At the end of your visit, you’ll receive a personalized Home Exercise Program (HEP) to continue your progress between sessions. Follow-up visits focus on advancing your program, tracking progress, and making adjustments to keep you moving forward. Because we schedule future visits ahead of time, please bring your schedule with you to help us plan your upcoming visits.

Please bring a form of identification, your insurance card, and a method of payment if required. Having these items ready helps us check you in smoothly and ensures there are no delays with your appointment. Some of our clinics operate as cashless and checkless locations, meaning credit card payments are the only form of payment accepted. Online payment through MyChart is also available for your convenience.

For every visit, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and gives your therapist access to the area being treated. Many patients find that athletic wear, such as shorts, yoga pants, and sneakers, works best, but any clothing that lets you move comfortably is acceptable.

Most physical therapy plans recommend 2–3 visits per week for 4–6 weeks. The exact number will depend on your condition, your doctor’s referral, insurance coverage, and how quickly you progress. Our team will verify your insurance benefits before you begin and review them with you at your first visit to ensure there are no surprises. If your plan has a high deductible, we’ll also reach out beforehand to provide full transparency about any potential out-of-pocket costs.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and you may find yourself running late or needing to cancel your appointment. If that happens, please call your clinic directly. This allows us to adjust the schedule and reschedule you in a timely manner so your care plan stays on track.