Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need a physician’s referral to come see you?

No, a physician’s referral is not required. Idaho is a direct access state, which means you can schedule an appointment with your physical therapist directly. Idaho is one of 20 states that allow patients total, unrestricted access to a physical therapist.

While direct access to a physical therapist is not restricted in Idaho, a PT must refer a patient to the appropriate healthcare provider if the therapist feels the patient’s condition is beyond the physical therapy scope of practice.

PTs are prohibited from radiological, surgical, or medical diagnosis of disease.

2. What is treated at PIVOT Physical Therapy?

Diagnoses and problems commonly treated at PIVOT include: Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Injuries of the back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot; Acute and Chronic Back Pain Issues; Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation; Neuromuscular Dysfunction; and sports injuries. Pain is the body’s way of communicating that something needs to change or that your current habits and movement patterns are no longer supported.

Call or email to schedule a consultation so we can learn more about your unique situation. We would be happy to assess your problem and explain how we can help!

3. What can I expect at my first Physical Therapy appointment?

Your initial Physical Therapy appointment will start with an in-depth conversation to get to know more about what brings you into the clinic. We will perform a thorough physical evaluation including a comprehensive musculoskeletal exam, functional movement screen, and postural assessment. Through this assessment, we will be analyzing your movement patterns (noting muscle imbalances, weaknesses, stability, mobility, stiffness, etc.) and how these movement patterns relate to the cause or exacerbation of your injury. We will then create a treatment plan and work with you to schedule follow-up visits as needed.

Your first visit will last approximately 75 minutes. The intent of the first visit is to create an individualized and specific road map for you to follow in order to achieve each of your goals.

The therapist will discuss the following:

Your medical history
Your current problems/complaints
Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem
How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations
Your goals with physical therapy
Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health

We will perform a variety of assessments to understand the symptoms you are experiencing to help devise a comprehensive program to treat the underlying cause of your problems. The treatment plan is subsequently developed with your input. This includes how many times you should come in for treatment per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short and long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. You will be provided with either written or video instructions for an individualized Home Exercise Program to help you achieve your goals and facilitate independence with self care.

4. What should I wear to my Physical Therapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable athletic clothing, as well as athletic shoes and socks, for your physical therapy appointments. Restrooms, lockers, and showers are available for you to change and lock-up your personal items.

5. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all credit and debit cards. We do not accept cash.

6. Where are you located?

We are located in Boise and Meridian. Pioneer Crossing, 1290 W Myrtle St. Ste 150, Boise, ID 83702. Ten Mile Crossing, 808 S. Vanguard Way, Meridian, ID 83642. 208-616-1161

7. Do you accept insurance?

PIVOT is out-of-network with all commercial health plans. If you have out-of-network benefits, we will provide you with a copy of your bill that you can, at your discretion, submit to your health plan for reimbursement for the services your health plan covers. You are responsible for contacting your insurance company to determine what your benefits are and to obtain any necessary physician referrals and/or pre-authorizations for services. By not having preferred provider or contracted status with insurance companies, we are better able to focus time and energy on high quality care. I do not have to limit the time spent or type of treatment provided, as would be mandated by an insurance company.

We recommended using www.reiumbursify.com where you can easily submit your suberbill (bill for services) provided. This is an automated service all from an app on your phone. Reiumbursify works with all insurance companies. Ask for more information!

8. Do you accept Medicare?

At this time, PIVOT is not credentialed by Medicare. Only services not covered by Medicare can be provided, such as personal training, wellness visits, or recovery services, and patients cannot submit bills to Medicare for reimbursement for these services. Please contact us if you are a Medicare beneficiary and would like to learn more about options for treatment.