Frequently Asked Questions
What is Performance Physical Therapy?
Performance physical therapy is a hybrid training model which allows us to treat you as a whole person in any way you need. We are cash based which eliminates all insurance restrictions on the amount or type of care you may require. This allows us to take a holistic approach in our treatment methods. No matter what sports or hobbies you enjoy, we can tailor our treatment specific to your needs.
Through our performance PT model we will get you out of pain and help you stay that way long term. We believe at our core that movement is the best medicine so we will take an active approach to your treatment to keep you active.
Why Choose Trident Physical Therapy?
We are the best in Long Island. Simple as that.
You will not find another clinic that provides this level of care, 1 on 1, with one hour sessions and your goals at the epicenter. Our goal is to give you the confidence to reach your own goals, with us there to facilitate that in any way we can.
What makes Trident Physical Therapy different from traditional physical therapy offices?
Treatments are one-on-one, hour long sessions with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy.
You will be with the same physical therapist throughout your entire plan of care and will never be doubled with another patient.
Because of our one-on-one treatment sessions, we’re able to be more efficient with your care, compared to the standard corporate physical therapy model of 2-3x per week for 6-8 weeks. This allows you to be pain free in a quicker amount of time and back to your favorite activities!
Our goal is to discover your pain source and create a treatment plan to directly fix the impairments found during your evaluation.
We believe in direct hands-on treatment coupled with exercise to have faster results than passive treatments (such as ice, heat, etc).
Preventative care is our passion. We want to go get out of pain and also prevent future injuries, which is why we take a holistic approach to your treatment.
Do you take insurance?
Trident Physical Therapy PLLC is an out-of-network provider, operating through a fee-for-service model. Payments are accepted in full at the time of service, including cash, check, debit and all major credit cards. On request patients are given a super-bill of their services that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement depending on out-of-network benefits.
We have worked at in-network practices in the past and realized patients do not receive the best care. We are confident that our patients receive the highest quality care possible with a treatment plan created and executed by your Doctor of Physical Therapy, NOT insurance companies dictating your care.
The out-of-network model allows us to have one-on-one, hour long sessions with our patients. We have found that our patients recover faster, which is more cost effective in comparison to high-deductibles and co-pays required through the insurance-based model. This allows you to know exactly what your treatment cost is, without surprise bills from your insurance company months after treatment has ended.
What is cash based physical therapy?
In a cash based treatment model, the physical therapist enters into a contract with the patient directly. The patient pays at the time of service allowing the therapist to focus all their attention on providing the best service and minimizing time spent on insurance reimbursement.
This also allows you, as the patient to know exactly what the treatment will cost you without any blind bills. While going through insurance, the amount billed will vary based on the codes billed each session. This often results in confusing bills for the patient based on these varied rates. Cash based billing eliminates all confusion and allows for clarity in decision making for the patient.
Will I end up paying more for cash based physical therapy?
Research says NO! Cash based PT has demonstrated it requires less sessions to meet your goals, get you out of pain and get you moving better so overall the total cost ends up reduced to insurance based clinics! Twice a week for 8 weeks is not the right prescription for everyone! Of course, this will vary depending on your out of network coverage.
What makes us different from other cash based places?
The Trident team is like no other. We are all motivated to help each client reach their specific goals. Through our Trainerize app, we will provide a program designed for you with mobility work and exercises to meet your needs. We are also accessible to help you navigate any bumps in the road along the way.
We thrive on your success and helping to empower you to be the best version of yourself.
Do you accept FSA/HSA cards?
We do accept HSAs and FSAs! Let your therapist know that you would like to use your HSA / FSA and we can help you with this process.
Why would I choose to pay out of pocket when I can use my insurance at another clinic?
Cash based physical therapy has actually shown to cost the patient less versus going through insurance. We provide only one-on-one treatment sessions for 60-minutes each visit. These one-on-one treatments may include cupping, joint mobilizations and other manual techniques with the entirety of the session involving a hands on approach.
Many other clinics have their physical therapists seeing 4-5 patients per hour, vastly limiting any hands-on time. The sessions may be spent with a rehab aide training you on how to perform the same cookie-cutter exercises with no individualization and minimal results. They will try and book you 2-3 times per week for 8-10 weeks and still have lower patient satisfaction rates and worse outcomes toward pain relief and functional activity tolerance.
Trident will require less overall sessions to meet your goals than traditional insurance PT because of the increased time spent on your care. Come experience what physical therapy is really like with individualized, genuine, one-on-one care of a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Do I need a script or referral to see you?
A prescription or referral for physical therapy is not required; you can call or text us to make an appointment right now!
We are able to get you an appointment quicker than other clinics, which allows us to treat your acute pain before it becomes chronic and more difficult to treat.
New York permits "Direct Access" for physical therapy. This means that you do not need to wait weeks to see your physician or orthopedic specialist to begin treatment in physical therapy. If you will be seeing us on a continuing basis, under New York law, a script is required after 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first. Because of our model, we will typically hit 30 days before 10 visits. Your therapist will track the time and can discuss this with you. We can also suggest providers if you do not have one.
What can I expect during my initial evaluation?
After you book your appointment you will receive intake forms in your patient portal. These intake forms are important for us to have an initial understanding of your pain and goals.
Your initial evaluation will be one hour. We will complete a detailed review of past medical history and current injuries, a functional movement and strength assessment, and hands-on treatment for pain relief.
You will leave your evaluation with the knowledge of what is causing your pain or dysfunction and how we will address it. Initial exercises will be given to begin your plan of care.
Please wear athletic clothing or something you’re comfortable moving in! If you are coming for a lower extremity issue, please wear shorts.