Below are the answers to some most commonly asked questions regarding your first visit at PT Northwest.

I've never had therapy before. What can I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will be approximately 90 minutes long. This includes time for registration. You'll need to come to your appointment 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This will allow time to fill out the registration forms. Some governmental agencies, PT Northwest, and your insurance company need these forms. If you would like to fill your forms out prior to your visit you can download them from this web site and bring them with you. You will have a couple more forms to complete when arriving at your appointment.

The doctor gave me this piece of paper with a map on the back and writing on the front. Do I need to bring this with me?
YES. This is a prescription/order for your therapy. If we do not have this information, we cannot treat you. We are required by law to have the prescription in your chart and sometimes need to send a copy to your insurance for payment.

Do I need to bring my insurance card(s) with me?
YES, we need to copy your card(s) to insure we are sending your billings to the correct address and that we have the correct ID and Group numbers.

If I am supposed to have pool therapy what do I need to bring?
We have pool therapy available at our Northeast Salem and Stayton offices. You will need to bring a swimsuit and a towel for each visit.

Do I need to wear something special for therapy?
If your diagnosis is to treat your back you will probably be asked to wear a pair of shorts. We have those available at the clinic, but if you would feel more comfortable in your own then we ask that they have an elastic waistband. If your therapist wants you to exercise in our on site gym you will need to bring a pair of athletic shoes and either shorts or sweats and a t-shirt.

Which PT Northwest clinic should I be going to?
We have 6 Clinics to give everyone the opportunity to go to the most convenient location. If your doctor prescribes pool therapy, you have the option of using our Northeast Salem or Stayton clinics. Our other clinics are located in West Salem, South Salem, Keizer, and Monmouth. If you work in one of those areas or live closer to one clinic than the other, please be sure to ask if you can schedule at the most convenient location to you. The key is convenience for you the patient.

If my doctor sends me to PT Northwest for therapy but PT Northwest is not a provider for my insurance what do I do?
We are a contracted provider for most major insurances. However, there are some we are not contracted with. Sometimes your insurance will pay out of network benefits and sometimes they won't. Our front office staff will try to verify that your insurance will cover your therapy before you come in. If you still have questions about your insurance coverage, our billing department will also be happy to help you. The billing department can be reached at 503-540-8701. It is the patient's responsibility to make sure that they are using the correct provider or contracted provider. If PT Northwest is unable to see you, we will do everything we can to give you some other options. Providers are typically listed in the handbook that your insurance company distributed to you.

If I am a minor (under age 18) what do I need to do?
Everything is basically the same, except that you'll need to bring a parent or a legal guardian at least to the first visit to sign release forms. You will also need to remember to bring your Social Security Number or give it to the front office person when you schedule your first visit.

So what am I supposed to bring to my first appointment again?
Your prescription for therapy Your insurance card(s) Your forms filled out (if you're downloading from this website) Your swimsuit and a towel (if you're having pool therapy)