What happens at a first physical therapy visit?
A first visit at Rausch PT lasts about 60 minutes. The physical therapist starts with a conversation about your injury and goals, then performs an evaluation that can include tissue testing, gait analysis, functional screening and biomechanical analysis.
The therapist explains the findings and the treatment plan, then begins treatment and an individualized exercise program. You also receive a home exercise program through Limberhealth.com.
What does a physical therapist
treat at Rausch PT?
Rausch Physical Therapy & Wellness offers one-on-one physical therapy at three South Orange County clinics: Laguna Niguel, Dana Point and Mission Viejo. Premium sessions are 45 or 60 minutes with a licensed physical therapist. Insurance-based visits are also available, and in California you can start without a doctor’s referral (Medicare patients need a prescription).
Physical therapists are licensed movement experts who evaluate, diagnose and manage health conditions and movement problems in people of all ages, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. At Rausch PT the most common reasons for a visit are sports injuries, back and neck pain, joint pain, and recovery after surgery.
Many patients are active adults who want to get back to golf, tennis, pickleball, running, cycling or training. The clinics also offer pelvic health therapy for all genders.
Rather than treating only the painful spot, the therapist looks at how the whole body moves to find the source of the problem. Treatment combines hands-on manual therapy, targeted strength and mobility work, and a progressive exercise program that is adjusted as you improve.
Physical therapy does not replace a medical workup. See a physician promptly for pain after a fall or accident, numbness that is spreading, new bladder or bowel changes, fever with back pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Why choose Rausch PT
& Wellness?
Rausch PT & Wellness provides a unique, holistic approach to healing. With in-house wellness services including Rx Massage, StretchFix assisted stretching, and Rx Chiro, our expert team collaborates to create a plan tailored specifically to you. Whether your plan involves physical therapy alone or a combination of our services, every member of our staff works together behind the scenes to help you reach your goals efficiently and effectively.
Physical Therapy
Pricing & Coverage
Options
Transparent pricing with flexible options. Choose cash pay or use your health insurance to help cover your treatment costs.
We’re committed to making high-quality care accessible and affordable.
Insurance visit or premium session?
Rausch PT offers two visit formats for orthopedic physical therapy. The main differences are how much of the hour you spend with the physical therapist and how the visit is paid for.
| Insurance-based visit | Premium session | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 60 minutes | 45 or 60 minutes |
| Time with the physical therapist | About 30 minutes with the PT and about 30 minutes with a physical therapy aide | The full session one-on-one with the PT |
| Price | Depends on your plan; major PPO plans are accepted | $157 for 45 minutes, $197 for 60 minutes |
| Insurance | Billed to your insurance | Insurance can cover part of the cost, or you can self-pay |
| HSA/FSA | Accepted | Accepted |
The 60-minute premium session gives more time with the therapist than insurance typically covers. A 30-minute follow-up visit is $107. Check whether your plan is in network on the accepted insurance list.
Exclusive Care, Exclusive Results
Work directly with your physical therapist for a full hour in extended one-on-one sessions designed specifically for your goals. While we always provide a VIP experience, this upgraded level of care goes beyond what your insurance typically offers, giving you even more dedicated time, focused attention, and personalized treatment. With extended, focused time entirely dedicated to you, experience noticeable improvements with each visit.
Experience the Power
of Premium PT
Explore how this unique experience offers more than traditional care by offering you longer sessions, hands-on guidance, and customized plans that are tailored specifically to your needs. Use your insurance to cover part of the Premium PT costs or explore self-pay options to experience a new level of healing and recovery.
Learn how to prepare for your first appointment
- A detailed discussion about your recent or chronic injury
A complete examination and evaluation of the injured area, which will include specific tissue testing, gait analysis, functional screening, biomechanical analysis, etc. - Your physical therapist will then relay your findings to you and do her/his best to explain their treatment plan in detail.
- Following the evaluation, your physical therapist and aide will begin treatment to the injured area and take you through an individualized exercise program.
- Following your appointment, you will be given a specific home exercise program via Limberhealth.com.
- All physical therapy visits will be about 60 minutes long: 30 minutes spent with your physical therapist and 30 minutes spent with a physical therapy aide. For an extended period of care with your physical therapist, please explore premium physical therapy options.
- Referral or prescription (if required by your doctor or insurance) Insurance card and any necessary authorization paperwork
- Photo ID for registration
- Medical records related to your injury or condition (X-rays, MRI, surgical notes, etc.)
- List of current medications (including dosage and frequency)
- Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and access to the injured area (e.g., shorts for knee therapy, tank top for shoulder therapy)
- Athletic shoes or supportive footwear for exercise-based therapy
- Questions or goals you’d like to discuss with your therapist (e.g., pain relief, returning to sports, improving mobility)
- Notebook or phone to jot down home exercise instructions
- Water bottle to stay hydrated during exercises
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy in California?
No. California allows direct access, so you can book physical therapy without a physician’s order. The American Physical Therapy Association also notes that you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist.
Two limits apply. Medicare patients need a prescription before the first visit. For everyone else, a physician must sign off on the plan of care after 45 days or 12 visits, whichever comes first (California Business and Professions Code section 2620.1). Rausch PT can coordinate that sign-off with your doctor. Details are on the no prescription needed page.
Is there evidence that seeing a physical therapist first helps?
For low back pain, there is. A 2018 study of commercial insurance claims for adults aged 18 to 64 with new low back pain found that people who saw a physical therapist first had a lower probability of an opioid prescription, advanced imaging and emergency department visits, along with lower out-of-pocket costs, compared with people who saw a PT later or not at all.
The same study found a higher probability of hospitalization in the PT-first group, so it is one piece of evidence rather than a guarantee. Your therapist will refer you to a physician if your symptoms point to something that needs medical care.
Our accepted insurance carriers
We believe everyone deserves access to quality orthopedic care, that’s why
Rausch Physical Therapy accepts the following major insurance plans for all
physical therapy services.
Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Mission Viejo
PPO Providers
Frequently asked questions
How much does physical therapy cost at Rausch PT?
Rates depend on the session length and whether you use insurance. Current cash-pay rates are listed in the pricing section above and on the pricing page. Insurance can cover part of the cost, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Call (949) 276-5401 to have the front desk check your benefits before your first visit.
Is every physical therapy session one-on-one?
Premium sessions are 45 or 60 minutes one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist. Insurance-based visits last about 60 minutes, with about 30 minutes with the physical therapist and about 30 minutes with a physical therapy aide. If you want the full hour with your therapist, ask for a premium session when you book.
Does Rausch PT accept insurance for physical therapy?
Yes. Rausch PT accepts major PPO plans for physical therapy at its Laguna Niguel, Dana Point and Mission Viejo clinics, and insurance can also help cover part of a premium session. The current carrier list is on the accepted insurance page at rauschpt.net. Call (949) 276-5401 to confirm your coverage before your first visit.
Do Medicare patients need a prescription for physical therapy?
Yes. Even though California allows direct access to physical therapy, Medicare patients need a prescription from their doctor before the first visit. Get the prescription first, then book. Other patients can start without one, but a physician must sign off on the plan of care after 45 days or 12 visits, whichever comes first.
Can I combine physical therapy with massage or stretching?
Yes. Rausch PT offers Rx Massage, StretchFix assisted stretching, Rx Chiro chiropractic care and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, and these services can be combined with physical therapy. Rates for each service are listed on the pricing page at rauschpt.net, or call (949) 276-5401 to ask which option fits your plan of care.
