Starting care with a new practice is easier when you know what’s coming. This new patient information explains how to prepare, what to bring and what happens at your first visit to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR). It applies at both of our offices, in Danbury, CT and Brewster, NY, whether you’re planning your first chiropractic visit, your first physical therapy visit or both.
Before your first visit
- Tell us why you’re coming. When you book, let us know if your visit is for a car accident, a work injury or rehab after surgery.
- Fill out your new patient forms. Contact your chosen office for intake forms before your visit.
- Check your coverage. See the plans we accept, or send the coverage-check form, on our insurance and billing page. Our team explains your benefits at your first appointment.
Your new patient information checklist
Bring these to your first appointment:
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card
- A list of the medications you take
- Reports from any X-rays, MRIs or other imaging
- A referral or prescription, if you have one
- Your surgeon’s rehab protocol or instructions, if you’ve had surgery
- For a car accident or work injury, your claim number and the insurer’s or comp carrier’s contact details
What happens at your first visit
- Your health history. Your clinician asks about your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, past injuries or surgeries, and your goals.
- A hands-on exam. Depending on your concern, this may include posture, range of motion, strength, joint movement and nerve checks such as reflexes and sensation. If imaging or nerve testing would help, PMR offers X-ray imaging and EMG testing.
- A clear talk about the findings. Your clinician explains what’s likely behind your symptoms and suggests a care plan, which may combine services. If your symptoms point to a problem outside our scope, we coordinate with or refer you to a physician.
- Often, your first treatment. If it’s appropriate, treatment may start at this visit.
What to wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothes you can move in, such as athletic wear, so your clinician can check the area that hurts. Shorts help for hip, knee or ankle problems.
If you need to cancel
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or change an appointment. Missed appointments may be charged a no-show fee.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the first visit take?
It usually runs longer than follow-up visits because it includes your health history, an exam and a discussion of your care plan. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to finish any paperwork and settle in.
Do I need a referral or prescription?
Not always. Whether you need one depends on your state, your insurance plan and the type of claim. Some plans require a referral or prior authorization, and some car accident and workers’ comp claims require one for physical therapy. Bring any referral or prescription you have. Our chiropractic and physical therapy FAQs explain the New York and Connecticut rules.
Can I see more than one type of provider?
Yes. PMR is a multidisciplinary practice, with chiropractic, physical therapy, sports medicine, massage therapy, acupuncture, pain management and physiatry under one roof, plus on-site gym facilities and trainers. After your evaluation, your clinician may suggest a team plan that combines services. If you need care we don’t provide, we refer you to an outside specialist.
Book your first visit
Have a question this new patient information doesn’t answer? Call your office:
- PMR of Danbury, CT: (203) 744-8013
- PMR of Brewster, NY: (845) 279-1135
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment online.