What to Expect

Knowing what to expect when beginning physical therapy for the first time can be overwhelming. From the first call, to your final visit, we are here to help you every step of the way. If you need help, or get confused, just give us a call!

There are three ways to initiate the request for therapy. (This information can seem a bit overwhelming, but we are here to help you along the way.)

1. Patient Request - At any time you can personally request an appointment for therapy. We will be happy to treat you but, please remember, you will be responsible for all treatment costs on a self-pay basis. (We offer discounted rates for all self-pay patients. Additionally, financial hardship payment plans are available for qualified recipients.) Payment will be required when services are rendered, unless previous arrangements have been made with our billing department. If you do not have insurance, but feel you would benefit from therapy, please do not hesitate to contact us at 863-688-1800 or click here.
   
   *Per law, we are able to treat self-pay patients for 21 consecutive days after which you will be required to obtain a prescription from a physician. This can be done at any walk-in clinic.

2. Primary Care Physician (PCP) Request - If you or your PCP feels you are a candidate for physical therapy, simply request Leading Edge when you are obtaining your prescription. Many doctors already have our prescription form, but download and print one by clicking here, and take it with you to your appointment just to be sure. Frequently doctors will recommend using one of their "in-house" therapists, but decisions about your care are ultimately yours! We believe that we offer the best care in Central Florida and that you will agree after your first visit. We are an in-network provider for most insurances (call us to be sure).

3. Specialist Request - Many times specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and rheumatologist, will request for you to see a physical therapist. If this occurs, simply request Leading Edge Physical Therapy. Again, many specialists already have our prescription form, but download and print one by clicking here, and take it with you to your appointment just to be sure.
   
   *Some insurances require authorization from your PCP to begin physical therapy that has been prescribed by a specialist. If you are given a prescription from a specialist, you DO NOT need to see your PCP for authorization. Simply request that your specialist fax the prescription to us and we will contact your PCP for authorization.

1. After your request for therapy is complete, we will contact you to schedule your first appointment. It is imperative that you arrive at least 30 minutes early for your first appointment - please plan accordingly. To help minimize the amount of paperwork you will need to fill out in the office, please print and complete the following forms and bring them with you to your first visit:

• Patient Consent Office Policy - Updated February 2015
• Leading Edge Patient Information & Health Questionnaire 2015

Other forms may be required by your insurance company and can be found on our Patient Forms page. We will let you know prior to your first visit if any other forms will be required.

2. Please bring a photo ID and insurance card.

3. Loose-fitting clothing and tennis shoes allow for maximum flexibility and full range of motion.

4. Your first visit will include a private one-on-one evaluation from one of our licensed physical therapists. During this time you will be asked a variety of questions to help us determine the best treatment plan for you. You will also be asked to display a certain range of motion as a baseline for your treatment.

5. Upon completion of your evaluation, treatment will begin immediately.

6. In addition to your treatment in the clinic, your therapist will design a Custom Rehabilitation Program specifically for you. This program is for you to use in addition to the therapy provided when you are at the clinic. Each Custom Rehabilitation Program is designed exclusively for you and will help speed your recovery, so it is essential that you follow your Custom Rehabilitation Program. Your therapist will work with you so that you understand, and are comfortable with, your program. They will gladly answer any questions you may have. Please bring your program booklet with you to every appointment so your therapist can evaluate and assess your progress. This will allow your therapist to make adjustments to your program based on your results. If you ever have any concerns about your treatment, please address them with your therapist immediately. Your communication helps us treat you in the most efficient way possible.

You may experience varying degrees of temporary soreness or increased pain after your first few treatments. This is normal and generally quickly improves as you progress through your treatment plan. It is very important to let your therapist know exactly how you are feeling so that your treatment can be adjusted as needed.

At the conclusion of your first visit, please schedule all additional appointments to ensure that you get your preferred days and times.

Please be sure to read and understand all of our policies on the Patient Responsibilities page.