Preparing for Your First Physiotherapy Appointment in London, Ontario

Preparing for a physiotherapy visit in London, Ontario is mostly about bringing useful information, completing your intake forms and allowing enough time for a proper assessment. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or know which treatment you need. Your physiotherapist will review your concerns, assess how you move and explain the next steps.

Before you book: confirm the appointment type and purpose

When booking, describe the main reason for your visit as clearly as possible. It may be a recent sprain, persistent pain, recovery after surgery, a sports injury, a workplace concern or an injury related to a motor vehicle accident. A short description helps the clinic identify an appropriate appointment type and lets you prepare the most relevant information.

If you are booking for an MVA, workplace issue, surgery or another claim-related matter, mention that when you contact the clinic. These situations can involve separate forms, authorizations or insurer communication.

What to bring to your physiotherapy appointment

Bring information that helps the physiotherapist understand your health history, current concern and practical goals. You do not need every medical document you have. Focus on items related to the problem being assessed.

• A brief symptom summary: Note when the problem began, what makes it better or worse, how it affects work, sleep, exercise or daily activities, and what you hope to do more comfortably.
• Relevant medical history: Include previous injuries, surgeries, diagnoses, treatments and medications that may affect your care. Bring any important instructions or restrictions from another provider.
• Reports or imaging information: If you have a relevant X-ray, MRI, surgical report or physician recommendation, bring a copy or the information needed to access it. Do not delay booking because you do not have every report.
• Insurance details: Have your insurer name, plan or policy information and details needed for direct billing available. Coverage limits and reimbursement rules vary between plans.
• Referral information, if applicable: Bring a referral or physician information if your insurer, employer, program or claim requires it.
• Claim details, where relevant: For an MVA or special program, bring the insurer, claim number, adjuster or case contact, authorization details and any forms you have received.

For eligible Ontario patients attending a government-funded physiotherapy clinic, the province advises bringing a health card. That is not the same as confirming eligibility for every physiotherapy service or private clinic appointment, so check the requirements for your specific coverage.

Complete intake forms online or arrive early

Completing forms in advance gives you more time to think about dates, medications, previous treatment and your goals. If you complete them at the clinic, arrive early enough to avoid rushing before the assessment.

Choose clothing that allows comfortable movement

Wear clothing that lets you move comfortably and allows reasonable access to the area being assessed. Flexible pants or shorts may be practical for a knee, hip or lower-body concern. For a shoulder, neck or upper-back concern, choose a top that does not restrict movement. These are suggestions, not a mandatory dress code.

If you are unsure what will be suitable, ask when booking. The physiotherapist can explain what would make the assessment easier once they know which area needs to be examined.

What happens during the first physiotherapy appointment

You can review the clinic’s explanation of the first physiotherapy visit before booking. It outlines assessment, written planning, hands-on care and customized home exercise programs.

Questions to ask during the assessment

A useful appointment is a two-way conversation. Write down a few questions before you arrive, especially if pain or anxiety makes details difficult to remember.

• What do you think is contributing to this problem?
• What did you find during the movement assessment?
• What is the main goal of the initial treatment plan?
• Which activities should I continue, modify or temporarily avoid?
• What should I practise at home, and how often?
• How will we know whether the plan needs to be adjusted?
• Which treatment options are relevant to my assessment, and what is the purpose of each?
• What should I do if symptoms change between visits?
• When should we review my progress and next steps?

You are entitled to ask for an explanation in everyday language. Understanding the reason for each part of your plan makes it easier to participate actively and identify questions early.

Plan for the cost, timing and insurance process

Checking the initial assessment cost in advance can help you budget and reserve enough time. If your appointment may be billed to insurance, still plan for a possible co-pay, deductible or remaining balance.

Referral and direct billing are separate questions

Before your appointment, check whether physiotherapy is eligible, whether a referral is required, your coverage limit, whether a particular provider or credential is required, whether direct billing is available and what balance you may owe.

If the insurer’s answer is unclear, record the representative’s name and any reference number. You can also ask the clinic what documentation it can provide if you need to submit the claim yourself.

If the appointment relates to an MVA, workplace claim or special program

Claim-related appointments require more than ordinary extended-health-plan details. Bring information for the insurer, adjuster, employer or program administrator, along with authorization numbers, claim numbers and forms where applicable.

Plan your arrival in North London

Allow time to park, find the unit and complete any remaining forms. You can also contact the clinic if you need help confirming the location or appointment details.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to physiotherapy for a motor vehicle accident claim?

Bring your claim number, insurer and adjuster information, authorization details and any forms you have received. Tell the clinic when booking that the appointment relates to an MVA.

Does direct billing mean I will not have to pay anything?

No. Direct billing may reduce the amount paid upfront, but you may still owe a co-pay, deductible or remaining balance.

What other details should I confirm?

The listed initial assessment is 60 minutes. The published fee is $135 before applicable HST unless otherwise noted.

Can I complete physiotherapy intake forms before arriving?

Yes. Forms can be completed online after booking. You may also bring completed forms or arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

A simple way to prepare for your first visit

The most useful preparation is straightforward: describe your concern, gather relevant health and coverage information, complete your forms, wear clothing that allows movement and write down a few questions. Budget for the listed 60-minute, $135 initial assessment before applicable HST unless different arrangements are confirmed.

If you are looking for physiotherapy in London, Ontario, Planet Health Care can provide appointment information for its North London location, including booking, intake and billing questions.

This checklist covers what to bring, what to wear, how referrals and direct billing work, what the first appointment may involve and how to plan for the listed initial assessment at Planet Health Care.

• Planet Health Care lists a 60-minute initial assessment at $135 before applicable HST unless otherwise noted.

For a new concern, ask for an initial physiotherapy assessment rather than choosing a treatment in advance. Planet Health Care describes its first visit as a full assessment involving your history, movement testing and a diagnosis explained in plain language. The clinic also provides one-on-one care, a written plan and a customized home exercise program.

Planet Health Care says you can complete online intake forms after booking, bring completed forms with you or arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete them at the clinic. Either option can work. Choose the one that gives you enough time to answer questions accurately.

A first visit generally begins with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, daily activities and goals. The physiotherapist then uses movement testing and clinical assessment to understand how the concern affects your function. At Planet Health Care, findings are explained in plain language.

Depending on your assessment and goals, the visit may include hands-on treatment, education and discussion of exercise or other options. Planet Health Care describes physiotherapy as potentially combining manual therapy, exercise, education and modalities such as shockwave, EMS/TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, heat and cold. The appropriate combination depends on the assessment, not on a treatment menu you need to select beforehand.

Planet Health Care lists an initial physiotherapy assessment as 60 minutes at $135 before applicable HST unless otherwise noted. The clinic also lists other visit types and standard appointment lengths, so confirm which appointment you are booking and what fee applies.

Planet Health Care offers direct billing to many extended health insurers where the insurer permits it. Direct billing means the clinic submits an eligible claim directly, but it does not guarantee that your plan will cover the entire fee. Bring your plan details and ask what information the clinic needs.

People often assume that not needing a doctor’s referral means their insurer must reimburse the appointment. These are different issues. Planet Health Care states that a referral is generally not required for most services, while an insurance plan may still require one for reimbursement.

Planet Health Care supports MVA rehabilitation, the Interim Federal Health Program, Veterans Affairs Canada coverage and Functional Abilities Form assessments. Paperwork and approval processes differ, so do not assume standard direct billing rules apply. Contact the clinic or relevant insurer if you are unsure what has been approved.

Planet Health Care is located at Unit 15, 1225 Wonderland Road North, in Sherwood Forest Mall. The clinic offers online booking, same-day appointments when available and free parking at the mall location.

Planet Health Care says a referral is generally not required for most services. However, your extended health plan, employer, insurer or special program may require one for reimbursement or approval.

How long is the initial physiotherapy assessment at Planet Health Care?