Patients have a right to seek out better continuity of care, and physician-owned PT clinics are a step in the right direction:

• Higher quality medical experience for patients
• Timely and frequent feedback between therapist and physician
• Reduced chance of medical errors resulting from miscommunication
• Reduced over-utilization of services (treatment can be discontinued or changed as needed to secure the best results)
• Scheduling convenience of being able to "piggy-back" appointments
• Reduction in medical forms and paperwork to fill out
• Increased comfort due to familiarity with staff and location

Below please find the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about National PT and physician-owned physical therapy clinics.

1. Doesn't the Stark Law prohibit self referral?
   No. Under the in-office ancillary services exception, physicians can refer to their own PT under certain conditions.
   
   
2. Who owns the PT clinic?
   The clinic is owned 100% by the medical practice.
   
   
3. Can I share a PT clinic with another practice?
   The actual space can be shared by another practice under certain conditions.
   
   
4. Do I have a choice of locating my PT clinic on site or off site?
   We operate in total compliance with Stark and other legal regulations. Each situation will be evaluated individually and we will inform you of your options.
   
   
5. How large is the space required?
   Space requirements differ according to specialty, patient population, the amount of referrals generated and the type of physical therapy required. This assessment is performed on a case by case basis.
   
   
6. What constitutes a referral?
   In general, this is a new script or re-script for physical therapy 2-3x a week for 4 weeks.
   
   
7. Can I take patients from outside of my practice?
   Yes.
   
   
8. How do you assess my clinic potential?
   We have developed proprietary tools which have proven to be accurate in assessing clinic viability.
   
   
9. Who are these services billed under?
   The services are generally billed under the physical therapist.
   
   
10. How long does it take to start a clinic after we have signed an agreement?
    The set up and development of the PT clinic usually takes up to 60 days.
    
    
11. Do you offer occupational therapy, work hardening and FCE's?
    Yes.
    
    
12. Can the clinic have a personalized name or will it be called National PT?
    The clinic usually has a personalized name chosen by the physician or physician group.
    
    
13. I simply do not have time to get involved in this venture. Why should I?
    Because it is a win-win situation for both the physician and patient. It has been proven that physician-owned PT has provided a superior medical experience for patients as well as financially benefiting the physician practice. Further, working with National PT, you can be as involved – or uninvolved in the process as you choose. We are fully prepared to take care of everything from A to Z without making any demands on your time.