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FAQs

Our physical therapy patients and sports performance/wellness clients ask the greatest questions. Here is a list of some of the most common questions, but the best way for us to help YOU is to have a conversation with you so we can fully understand your situation and goals.

Please feel free to call us at 408-736-7600 so one of our Care Coordinators can help.

Q :
DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
A :

We accept most insurance plans, as well as credit card and cash payments. We know that insurance and health care costs continue to rise and we work closely with you to help verify your benefits so you can proceed with a high level of confidence about your coverage.  We will work with you to help maximize your insurance coverage and ensure you get the care and results you deserve.

If your needs are not medically necessary or you are currently located outside of California (anywhere worldwide), our Unlicensed Health Consultation and Coaching Services have been well received by many across the globe.

Q :
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION?
A :
Many people do not realize that they can now visit a physical therapist prior to going through their general practitioner or specialist.  If upon evaluation it is determined that an MD consult is appropriate, your physical therapist will recommend that you follow up with your medical doctor. In the meantime, we can begin working with you as soon as possible to help you through this difficult phase.
“I waited for two weeks to see my doctor only for him to diagnose me with ‘Low Back Pain’ and refer me to physical therapy.  ‘Low Back Pain’ is what I told the receptionist I had when I first called to request the appointment.  I wish I had known I had other options.”

To learn more about direct access from the California Physical Therapy Association, click here.  If you are in pain or not functioning at your best, call 408-736-7600 now to speak with one of our Care Coordinators who will be happy to help!

If you wish to have your doctor complete one of our prescriptions for you, click here.

If you are not sure if you require medically necessary skilled physical therapy services, our Unlicensed Health Consultation and Coaching Services may be just what you are looking for.

Q :
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE BREAKTHROUGH?
A :

Every patient has their own needs and goals.  Many have a complex history that often goes unchecked.  Experience has proven that taking the time to perform a thorough physical therapy evaluation and engaging with our patients about their life and contributing factors to their current situation significantly increases the efficacy of their treatment. Our goal is to help you return as quickly as possible to the lifestyle you deserve in an environment that is abundant with highly qualified physical therapists, is well organized, clean, safe and full of positive energy.  Our physical therapists have over 100 years of combined experience and although each patient usually remains with the same therapist on each visit, we are always consulting one another to be sure we are giving every patient the best care available.

BreakThrough employs experts in a wide array of conditions and has amazing relationship with the top doctors and other therapists worldwide to refer you to if we are unable to help or you move and need one on one care. Basically, in a global economy, you need a group that you can count on for a lifetime. BreakThrough is here for you 24×7.

BreakThrough is extremely logical and methodical in our approach. We ask the questions and help you figure things out so you are in control of your future. While we are always here for you, we judge our success when you don’t always feel like you “need” us in order to function.

Additionally, should you travel or move, our Unlicensed Health Consultation and Coaching Services enable us to be right their with you anytime, anywhere.

Q :
CAN I COUNT ON MY INFORMATION REMAINING PRIVATE?
A :

Because your confidentiality is important to us at BreakThrough Physical Therapy, we strive to comply fully with all HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) regulations.  To further ensure your identity and security while under our care, prior to treatment our client service representatives will obtain your social security number and a copy of your government issued identification (ie. valid driver’s license).  This helps us to ensure proper account setup, identification and billing through your carrier.

Q :
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST VISIT?
A :

We strive to create electronic, secure, contact-less exchange of information available to you ahead of time online, but here are the key items which can certainly be brought to your first session:

  • Completed Physical Therapy prescription
  • Insurance card
  • Valid driver’s license or government issued identification
  • Loose, comfortable clothing (shorts, t-shirt, tennis/gym shoes)
  • Completed New Patient Forms
  • Note:  If the patient is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the first visit
  • If you are pursuing our Telehealth or Unlicensed Health Consultation Services for people worldwide, we will send you the links to the documents we need to be able to best serve you. We recommend logging in in advance, checking your camera and microphone so that we are maximizing our time together for your benefit.

Q :
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN MY FIRST VISIT?
A :
  • Meet your physical therapist and engage with him or her while he or she asks appropriate questions and performs appropriate tests to set up an effective and individualized treatment program based on your goals
  • If you have a limited amount of time for your visit, please inform your therapist at the beginning of the session so that he or she can ensure that your time is used most efficiently
  • For On-Site Care:
    • Please arrive 20 minutes before your first appointment to complete your paperwork (15 minutes if you’ve completed the intake forms online in advance). If your session is online then please click into the link 5 minutes ahead of your session, test your audio and video so that you are sure to maximize your time during your visit.
    • Lockers and bathrooms are provided
    • Total appointment time for in clinic sessions is typically 1.25 hours. Individuals who require a more extensive gym program may spend more time than this at future sessions.
  • For Telehealth and ULHC services:
    • we have 25 and 50 minute slots available (50 minutes is only for our cash pay clients since insurances are not supporting extended virtual visits for PT services at this time)
    • please be sure to enter the session early and double check that your audio and video is all setup as desired so that we maximize our time together

Q :
HOW DO I ENSURE I GET MOST OUT OF MY TIME AND MONIES?
A :

At BreakThrough, when you are successful, we are successful.  Please be sure to communicate openly and honestly with our client services team and your physical therapist so that we can be sure to provide you the care and results you deserve.  Physical therapy is a process and you are a key part of the team so we need consistent feedback from you.

It is critical that you maintain consistency with your scheduled appointments.  Many times patients have family or work issues that arise and put themselves last on the list.  We have found that our patients who schedule all of their sessions from the beginning, prepare for a regular schedule and adhere to this schedule receive the best results with the least overall time away from work and family and ultimately reduce the total costs of their rehabilitation.

Q :
HOW DO I CHOOSE A PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC?
A :

You realize it’s time for a change. You want to decrease pain, improve motion, improve strength, improve endurance and/or learn better postures and body mechanics so you can live a healthier, happier life.  But where do you start?

There are many factors that make up an exceptional physical therapy experience.  Too often we see people at our facility, BreakThrough Physical Therapy in Sunnyvale, California, who have little faith in physical therapy. They have been to several other clinics, but their doctor or friend strongly urged them to try one more series with us rather than go the route of surgery. Do they offer telehealth as an adjunct so that regardless of where you are on the planet, your therapist is only a click away? After over 20 years in physical therapy, I have compiled the top seven criteria to help you make an educated decision regarding the physical therapy portion of your health care team.  You should make the commitment right now to play an active role in your care.

Click here for the full article which provides an in depth and comprehensive look at the key factors to consider when choosing an outpatient orthopedic or sports-oriented physical therapy clinic.

Q :
HOW LONG WILL EACH SESSION LAST?
A :

Each session (physical therapy, sports performance and wellness services) typically lasts 1-1.5 hours  and involves 40 minutes of one-on-one treatment directly with your physical therapist as well as additional activities with our aide team that is directed by your therapist.

For Telehealth and Unlicensed Health Consultation Services, we have 25 minute and 50 minute sessions available (note that due to insurance limitations, 50 minute sessions are only available to our cash clients)

Q :
WILL I HAVE THE SAME THERAPIST FOR EACH SESSION?
A :

We prefer that each patient remains with the same therapist for each session so that the physical you develop a rapport and maintain a consistent plan with optimal opportunity for regular re-evaluation and modifcation of your program as you progress.  Sometimes there is a schedule conflict and in those cases we want to make sure you continue.  In these cases or if your therapist is on vacation then they will help coordinate for you to work with another physical therapist in their absence.

Q :
WHAT IF I CANNOT MAKE IT TO THE SESSION DUE TO PERSONAL OR WORK CONFLICTS LAST MINUTE?
A :

It is critical that you maintain consistency with your scheduled appointments.  Many times patients have family or work issues that arise and put themselves last on the list.  We have found that our patients who schedule all of their sessions from the beginning, prepare for a regular schedule and adhere to this schedule receive the best results with the least overall time away from work and family and ultimately reduce the total costs of their rehabilitation.

Because of the time we spend with you at each session (no double booking) and the fact that others need care too, we do charge a fee for “no shows and cancellations” when you do not provide us greater than 24 hours notice.  We want everyone to get the appointments that are most convenient for them and we want you to ultimately spend less time and money here.  Although we don’t enjoy it any more than you, holding everyone accountable to this policy has helped all of our patients achieve better results in less time and with lower out of pocket expense. In the event you are unable to make your appointment, our Care Team should offer you to transfer you in-office session to a Telehealth or ULHC appt. Please note that this helps you keep on track, but this change does come at a fee.

Q :
WHAT INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?
A :

Because of the changing medical insurance environment, we do not have a specific listing of all insurance companies with whom we have contracts.  We are able to serve patients with the following insurance/payment classifications:

  • PPO
  • Medicare
  • Private Payment
  • Personal Injury, including Automobile Claims – Please note that all personal injury claims are accepted on a case by case basis

Q :
WHAT IF I WANT TO COME TO BREAKTHROUGH, BUT MY DOCTOR GAVE ME A PRESCRIPTION FORM FOR ANOTHER PLACE
A :

Most importantly, you should know that you can go anywhere for physical therapy even if the prescription is for another facility, just like you can utilize any pharmacy for your medications. Many local physicians have our prescription forms available in their office for your convenience.  If not, you are welcome to download and print one and ask your physician to utilize it for you.

Q :
WHAT ARE YOUR POST COVID PROCEDURES TO ENSURE AS SAFE AN ENVIRONMENT AS POSSIBLE?
A :

We know how important your health is and we take that extremely seriously!  Please see our Post COVID Resource page for a variety of resources.  If you are not ready to get back into the clinic for one on one care, our Telehealth options have been an amazing benefit to many people worldwide!  We look forward to helping you.  As always, open and honest communication is key to our mutual success.

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