Frequently Asked Questions
+ There are so many physical therapy providers, why Paulseth & Associates?
Paulseth & Associates Physical Therapy has been in operation in the Century City neighborhood of West Los Angeles for over 30 years. We are a physical therapist-owned private practice with therapists who are board-certified in sports and orthopedic physical therapy. We are actively involved in teaching; our therapists teach at the university level, in continuing education courses, and in clinical education with students and residents. We take pride in helping individuals with a wide range of backgrounds. We work with Olympic and professional athletes, weekend warriors and those who want to get back to their normal daily activities. Our staff is highly experienced and well equipped to provide you with individualized and compressive care to assist you with your goals. Whatever your needs may be, we at Paulseth & Associates Physical Therapy are prepared for you.
+ What insurances do you accept?
We accept a wide variety of insurance plans. You may also be covered by your auto insurance provider if you have been in an auto accident. If we are not listed in your insurance company's provider book that does not mean we do not accept your insurance. Please call or contact us to find out whether you are eligible for coverage, and if so, what your co-payment and/or deductible will be.
+ How much will treatment cost?
The cost of your physical therapy visits will vary depending on your insurance benefits (ie. deductible, co-payments, co-insurance). Our front office staff will be happy to assist you in figuring out your benefits. We also offer a cash rate for those who do not wish to go through insurance.
+ Do you have parking?
Yes, our Century City location offers both metered street parking and $4 valet parking with our validation.
+ Will I see a physical therapist each visit?
We believe that you should expect to see, and be treated by, a licensed physical therapist (PT) each and every visit to the clinic. At our clinic, we never delegate an entire treatment to a physical therapist assistant (PTA) or physical therapist aide, as has become commonplace in many treatment models. Whereas using an assistant (PTA) for this purpose is legal, and is surely cost effective for the clinic, it is certainly not the highest level of care available to you. We have made a stand to continue a treatment model that provides significant, private access to a licensed physical therapist with advanced training in orthopedic and sports injuries. This allows you to ask questions, get thorough explanations, and have quality hands-on treatment that we believe is the best kind of care available in our profession.
+ What is the role of a physical therapist?
As physical therapists, we first perform an evaluation, incorporating subjective and objective information through interview and physical assessment techniques. We then make an assessment as to the cause of symptoms and form a treatment plan utilizing our knowledge of biomechanics, tissue healing, exercise physiology, and a detailed anatomical understanding of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. This plan will often include joint and soft tissue (muscle, fascia, nerve) mobilization and manual movement re-education techniques, prescribing of therapeutic exercise and utilizing adjunctive modalities such as heat/ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to allow you to move and feel better.
+ Should I seek physical therapy before/after orthopedic surgery?
Both! We have found that pre-surgical physical therapy promotes and fosters a more effective and rapid recovery post-operatively. After surgery, physical therapists are experts at expediting healing and return to activity. We can also prevent secondary issues from developing, which is common due to compensatory movements and postures that occur due to pain and swelling.
+ Do I need a referral from a medical doctor to be seen by a physical therapist?
In the state of California, physical therapists can evaluate and treat without a referral from a medical doctor. However, some insurance companies maintain that they require a prescription to utilize their coverage. Our administrators can help you to verify your specific insurance coverage.
+ What is your appointment cancellation policy?
Missed appointments or appointments canceled in less than 24 hours will be charged $50 per cancellation.
+ What do I do if I run out of visits with my insurance provider?
Your allotted number of visits depends on your specific insurance plan. You can continue to be seen when your insurance coverage stops as an out of pocket expense. You can contact our office administrator for pricing.
+ How do I ask questions specific to my symptoms or case?
The best way to get answers about your specific situation is to call our office and schedule an appointment to see a Paulseth & Associates Physical Therapist. Other options would be to contact us using our 'contact us' form. Please remember that in the interest of your privacy it always best to discuss your case face-to-face with your therapist.