In many cases, you do not need a referral to begin physical therapy in California. Through direct access, you can schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist without first seeing your physician. However, some insurance plans, including certain Medicare Advantage plans and private insurance policies, may require a referral or prior authorization before treatment begins.If you are unsure about your coverage, Bateman Physical Therapy in San Ramon can help verify your insurance benefits and let you know if a referral is needed before your first appointment. If a physician referral is required, we are happy to coordinate with your healthcare provider to make the process as simple as possible.

Yes. Traditional Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy when it is provided by a qualified physical therapist. Physical therapy can help improve strength, balance, mobility, flexibility, and function following an injury, surgery, illness, or changes associated with aging.At Bateman Physical Therapy in San Ramon, we work with Medicare beneficiaries to develop individualized treatment plans that help reduce pain, improve mobility, decrease fall risk, and maintain independence. Depending on your coverage, you may be responsible for your annual deductible and coinsurance. We are happy to explain your Medicare benefits and answer any questions before your first visit.

Your initial physical therapy evaluation typically lasts 45-60 minutes. During this visit, your physical therapist will take the time to learn about your medical history, current symptoms, goals, and any limitations that are affecting your daily activities.A comprehensive examination may include evaluating your strength, flexibility, balance, walking, posture, range of motion, and functional movement. After the evaluation, your therapist will explain the findings, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often begin treatment during the same appointment so you can start making progress immediately.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, such as athletic shorts, sweatpants, leggings, or loose-fitting exercise clothing. Comfortable athletic shoes or supportive walking shoes are also recommended.Depending on the area being treated, clothing that allows easy access to the injured or painful body part can be helpful. For example, shorts are ideal for knee or hip treatment, while a sleeveless or loose-fitting shirt works well for shoulder conditions. If you are unsure what to wear, simply give our office a call and we will be happy to provide guidance before your appointment.

The number of physical therapy visits varies depending on your condition, overall health, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients experience significant improvement in just a few visits, while others recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions may benefit from a longer course of care.After your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will discuss a personalized treatment plan and recommend the number of visits that is most appropriate for your specific needs. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting results as efficiently as possible while giving you the knowledge and exercises needed to continue your progress at home. Throughout your care, we regularly reassess your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure you are meeting your goals.