Preparing for Your First Appointment at Back in the Game Physical Therapy
Starting physical therapy feels easier when you know what to expect.
What To Wear
At all appointments, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.
Comfortable clothing also helps our physical therapists observe movement and assess joint and muscle function. Athletic shorts, leggings, or loose pants work well, along with supportive shoes.
What to Bring
Patients should bring a photo ID, insurance card, and any referral paperwork if required by an insurance plan.
Prior imaging reports or surgical notes may also help guide care.
What to Fill Out
We have several new patient forms that help us better understand your symptoms and recovery goals. If possible, fill out these forms before your first appointment. If you aren’t able to, we ask that you arrive about 15-20 minutes early to give yourself ample time to complete them.
What to Expect
Your first appointment typically includes a comprehensive assessment to help us understand your needs.
At subsequent sessions, we’ll focus on improving movement quality, strength, and coordination. Each visit builds on progress from previous sessions, and our therapists will adjust care as the body responds.
Throughout the process, education remains a key part of treatment, helping patients understand how daily habits influence recovery. This approach supports progress both inside and outside the clinic.
HIPAA NOTICE
Understanding Direct Access Laws in Georgia
Direct Access Physical Therapy in Georgia Start Treatment Without a Referral
Georgia’s Direct Access Law allows you to begin physical therapy without a physician’s referral. Patients can be evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist for up to 21 days or 8 visits (whichever comes first), making it easier to get fast, effective care for pain, injuries, and movement problems.
*Medicare and some insurance plans still require a provider referral, and dry needling in Georgia requires a referral from an MD/DO or PA/NP working under an MD/DO.
Referral Requirements to Know
While direct access is available, some insurance plans still require a referral—including Medicare, certain commercial insurances, and some workers’ compensation policies. Our team verifies your benefits and will let you know exactly what you need before your first appointment.
Serving Flowery Branch, GA, Dacula, GA, Suwanee, GA and Gainesville, GA
Back in the Game Physical Therapy provides expert, evidence-based care across all four of our Georgia locations. Direct access helps you start therapy quickly—no delays, no waiting for doctor visits.
This option allows you to address pain or movement problems sooner, without waiting for a referral or other unnecessary delays. Our physical therapists can assess your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
If you require care beyond the initial period, or if your care requires collaboration with a physician, we can advise you on your next steps.
Dry Needling Requirements in Georgia
Under Georgia law, physical therapists must have a referral from an MD, DO, or a PA/NP working under an MD or DO before performing dry needling. If dry needling is appropriate for your condition, we can help coordinate the referral.
Insurance and Payment Information
Back in the Game Physical Therapy works with many insurance plans and offers clear payment options. We also accept cash pay for patients who prefer to self-pay or do not use insurance. Staff members help patients understand coverage, benefits, and visit limits before care begins.
Accepted insurance plans include:
- A-G Administrators
- AARP
- Aetna
- Aetna Medicare
- Aflac
- Align Networks/OneCall
- All Savers
- Alliant (Gwinnett County only)
- Allied Benefit Systems
- Allstate
- Ameriben
- Amtrust
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Anthem Blue Cross Medicare
- Apricus-WC
- APWU
- Assurant
- Bardavon
- BMI
- Care IQ
- ChampVA
- Christian Care Ministries/Medishare
- Cigna
- Cigna Medicare – formerly Cigna
- Healthspring
- Cigna + Oscar
- Clover
- Coventry
- CSI Network Services
- Emblem
- EMI
- Gallagher Bassett
- GEHA
- Gerber Life
- GHI
- Guarantee Trust Life
- Hartford Life
- HealthEZ
- HealthGram
- Humana
- Humana Medicare
- Kaiser – Open Access plan only
- Manhattern Life
- Medicare
- Medishare/Christian Care Ministries
- Medrisk/SPNet
- Claritev – formerly Multiplan
- Mutual Of Omaha
- Onecall/Align Networks
- Oxford
- PHCS
- Railroad Medicare
- State Farm
- Streamline
- Thrivent
- TransAmerica
- Travelers
- Tricare
- Trustmark
- UMR
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare Medicare
- US Dept of Labor
- USAA
- VA/VACCN
- WebTPA
***This list is not all inclusive and subject to change without notice, please contact your insurance company directly to see if we are in network with your particular plan***
Refer A Friend
Help Your Friends and Family Discover the BIG Difference
Many of our patients refer their friends or family members to our clinic to help address pain or movement limitations. If there’s someone in your life who would benefit from physical therapy, we encourage you to share our contact information so they can schedule an appointment!
At Back in the Game Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the Flowery Branch, GA, Dacula, GA, Suwanee, GA and Gainesville, GA community. Our physical therapists are excited to provide the same patient-focused care to your loved ones.
Get Started with Physical Therapy at Back in the Game Physical Therapy
Ready to discover the Back in the Game Physical Therapy difference? Contact our Flowery Branch, GA, Dacula, GA, Suwanee, GA and Gainesville, GA today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward better movement and daily function.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
