Getting Started

In Washington State getting access to physical therapy services and working with your medical insurance can pose real challenges. Although our state law says you do not need a written order/ prescription/referral to have physical therapy, your medical insurance may require it. We are here to help and will try to make it as simple as possible.

To Utilize your Insurance for Physical Therapy Services:
We suggest you contact your medical insurance company. The customer service phone number can be found on the back of your insurance card.

What to ask?

Click to download an Insurance Verification for Physical Therapy Benefits form that we have found to be useful when contacting insurance companies to request benefits.

One of the most difficult questions is – do I need a prescription, referral, written order, or prior authorization for physical therapy to be deemed medically necessary and therefore be covered by my insurance.? It has become a game of symantics. Each of these terms will mean something different to whomever you talk to. Generally, ask your customer service if you need any of the above from your PCP (primary care physician), surgeon, etc.

That will cover all the bases regarding this particular issue.

Self Referral and Self Payment:

If you choose not to use your medical insurance you can self refer and see a physical therapist and pay at the time of visit. Please call our office to make arrangements.

First Visit

For your first visit at Bellingham Physical Therapy, we have complied a short list of a few things you will want to bring with you.

• You will need to come in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to fill out a few forms. If you prefer, you may download these forms here and bring them with you. Pre-treatment forms
• If your insurance company requires a prescription, referral, written order, and/or prior authorization, please bring this with you.
• Your insurance card or L&I claim number
• Any co-pay if applicable

Your first appointment may run 45-60 minutes. Follow up appointments are generally scheduled for 30 minutes. The number of follow up visits will depend on the nature of your condition, severity and complexity.

What Should I Wear?

• If we are assessing a lower extremity, bring in a pair of shorts
• If we are assessing your gait or doing a running assessment bring in a pair of shorts along with your running shoes.
• If we are assessing an upper extremity, upper back or neck bring in a tank top or sports bra (for women).

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us. We are here to help. We do require a 24 hour notice if you are unable to make your appointment. This will allow other patients to be seen.

Thank you for allowing us to assist you in reaching your ultimate goals that maximize your abilities to function and thus improve your quality of life.

Information and Forms	Please use the back button to return to the BPT web site. You will need Adobe Reader to read and print out our forms. To download Adobe Reader, click the icon below.
What to bring on your first visit
Authorization to Use & Disclose Patient Information
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
Insurance Verification
Billing Information
List of accepted insurances
Notice of Privacy - Signature Form
Medicare Payment Authorization - Signature Form
Patient Intake Form 1
Patient Intake Form 2