Patients
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most about visits, insurance and booking. Do not see yours? Text us.
Your care
Visits and treatment
When should I see a physical therapist?
Physical therapy is not only for people who have recently had surgery or a hospital stay. It can help reduce pain and support recovery from many kinds of injuries, both recent and long-standing. At KOH Physical Therapy Lab, care includes therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education and self-care education.
What do I bring to my first appointment?
Bring, or upload to your patient portal, your insurance card, driver's license, any prescription or referral from your physician, and medical notes and records related to your injury.
What should I wear to my appointments?
Loose, comfortable clothing such as gym wear, with comfortable shoes, so the areas being assessed are easy to reach. Shorts help if you have a lower body injury. Gowns and shorts are available at the clinic.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to complete paperwork, or complete your forms ahead of time through the patient portal. Your physical therapist will ask about your past and present medical history, then evaluate your muscles, joints, nerves, tendons and ligaments, including range of motion, strength and functional testing. Based on the findings and your goals, your therapist creates an individual plan of care. There is usually some treatment on the first visit, and follow-up visits are scheduled to carry out the plan.
Do I need a prescription from a physician if I have a PPO plan?
California law does not require a prescription to start physical therapy, but some insurance plans still do. Please check with your insurance company. We also verify your benefits for billing and go over them with you at your first session. Medicare requires a prescription at the first visit.
Are there private treatment rooms?
Yes. We have dedicated private treatment rooms for your comfort.
How long is each appointment?
Each session is based on your needs and how you feel that day. Sessions include one-on-one hands-on treatment with your physical therapist and therapeutic exercise at the clinic so your technique is correct. The first visit usually takes a little longer than follow-up visits.
How many visits will I need?
It varies. Some people need one visit and others need a few months. It depends on your diagnosis, how severe your symptoms are, your medical history and your prior level of function. Your physical therapist will discuss the expected number of visits with you.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy?
Most clients are seen two to three times per week. The total length of care depends on your injury and your plan of care. Attending regularly and doing your home exercise program helps you get the most from treatment.
What if I feel sore after a session?
Some soreness is normal and usually goes away soon. If you have a real setback, contact us and come back in as soon as possible so your physical therapist can help.
Is there anything I can do at home to help my recovery?
Yes. Your therapist will give you a home program with advice on managing pain, plus exercises and stretches to continue between sessions. Doing your home exercises regularly supports your progress.
Will I do exercises at each session?
It varies by person, but therapeutic exercise is an important part of most programs. Exercises are always done at the clinic first so you learn them correctly, and you receive a handout with diagrams to help you remember your home program.
I have MRI or X-ray results. Do you need them?
Yes. Please ask your doctor's office to fax the reports to us at 949-540-5642, or upload them to your secure patient portal before your visit.
Insurance
Insurance and billing
What types of insurance do you accept?
We work with most PPO, EPO and POS plans, plus Medicare, workers' compensation, Med-Pay related to motor vehicle accidents, and medical liens. If we are not listed in your insurance company's directory, that does not necessarily mean we cannot accept your insurance. Text or call and we will check.
Will your office go over my physical therapy benefits with me?
As a courtesy and for billing purposes, we verify your insurance benefits and may go over your coverage at your first visit. This is an estimate; your insurance company decides the final amount you owe after claims are processed. Please also check your own coverage and give us your current insurance information.
How much will I have to pay for physical therapy?
Out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan and coverage. We verify your insurance and explain your benefits and financial responsibility at your first visit. Self-pay rates are available if you do not have coverage.
Do you have self-pay options?
Yes. We offer self-pay rates and packages. Text or call the office for details.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel. No-shows or late cancellations may result in a fee or limits on future scheduling.
More on deductibles, coinsurance and payment options is on our patient information page.
Locations
Locations and booking
Can I go to any location?
Yes. You can be seen at our Irvine or Long Beach clinic.
What are your hours?
Hours vary by clinic. Text us at (949) 540-5641 and we will find a time that works for you.
What is the best way to book an appointment?
Text us at (949) 540-5641 for the fastest response, or send a request through our contact page.
Please do not text or email medical history or diagnoses. We will ask for what we need when we contact you.
Ready to get started?
Request an appointment online, or text our scheduling team. Text is the fastest way to reach us.