What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first appointment is called an initial evaluation and usually lasts about 45-60 minutes.
 

During this visit, you will spend one-on-one time with your physical therapist or occupational therapist. Your therapist will ask about your medical history, current concerns, daily activities, goals, and what you would like to be able to do more safely or confidently.
 

Your therapist may assess areas such as strength, balance, walking, mobility, coordination, dizziness, range of motion, pain, endurance, or daily function, depending on the reason for your visit.
 

At the end of the evaluation, your therapist will discuss their findings with you and help create a plan for your care. This may include treatment recommendations, home exercises, education, and suggested follow-up visits.

What to Wear

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move safely.
 

If you are coming in for a specific body area, such as your shoulder, hip, knee, or ankle, it may be helpful to wear layers or clothing that allows your therapist to access that area.
 

For balance, walking, or neurologic concerns, supportive shoes are recommended.

What to Bring

Please bring the following items to your first appointment:

• Insurance card

• Photo ID

• Method of payment if you have a copay or balance due

• Physician referral, if you have one or if your insurance requires one

• List of current medications, if not already completed on your intake forms

• Any relevant medical records, imaging reports, surgical notes, or test results

• List of questions you would like to ask your therapist

• Comfortable clothing and shoes

Before Your Appointment

Please complete any new patient intake paperwork before your visit if possible. This helps your therapist spend more of the appointment focused on your evaluation and goals.
 

If you have not completed your intake paperwork before your appointment, please arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to complete it before your visit begins.
 

Arriving on time with paperwork completed helps ensure you receive the full benefit of your evaluation.

Insurance, Referrals, and Payment

Insurance coverage can vary depending on your plan. Some insurance plans require a physician referral, authorization, or specific documentation before therapy can begin.
 

Please bring your insurance card and let us know if your insurance has any specific referral or authorization requirements. If you have a copay, coinsurance, or self-pay balance, payment may be collected at the time of service.
 

Our team can help answer general insurance and billing questions, but final coverage is determined by your insurance plan.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that unexpected things happen. However, appointment times are limited, and missed visits can affect both your progress and our ability to offer appointments to other patients.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may result in a late cancellation fee.
 

• First or second late cancellation or missed visit: $25 fee per occurrence

• Third late cancellation or missed visit: $50 fee
   

After three late cancellations or missed appointments, patients may be placed on a same-day scheduling list. Same-day scheduling means we may not be able to schedule future appointments in advance, but we can contact you if a same-day opening becomes available.

Running Late

If you are running late, please call the clinic. Depending on the schedule, your therapist may still be able to see you for part of your appointment, or we may need to reschedule.

Arriving on time helps ensure you receive the full benefit of your visit.

Caregiver or Family Support

You are welcome to bring a family member, caregiver, or support person if they help with transportation, communication, medical history, mobility, or understanding your care plan.
 

This can be especially helpful for patients with neurologic conditions, balance concerns, memory changes, communication difficulties, or complex medical histories.

Your Goals Matter

At Spark Rehab & Wellness, your care plan is built around what matters most to you.

Before your first visit, it may be helpful to think about your goals. These may include walking more safely, reducing dizziness, improving strength, returning to work, getting back to hobbies, improving independence at home, or feeling more confident in daily life.
 

Whatever your spark is, we are here to help you use it to move forward.