Dr. Stephanie Chan, PT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Therapy
Do I need a doctor's prescription before starting physical therapy?
New York's Direct Access law allows patients to seek treatment directly from a licensed physical therapist without a prescription for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first, for each episode of care.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept some Aetna, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, and UnitedHealthcare plans, and are out-of-network with them. We do our best to match or come close to your in-network benefits to minimize any financial difference to you. Your benefits determine your coverage and responsibility. For more detail, contact us to discuss your plan. A Good Faith Estimate is available upon request or prior to the start of care for self-pay or uninsured patients.
What sets you apart from the bigger, more well-known clinics, many of which are in-network with my plan?
The answer is a simple combination of time, expertise, and values. Unlike most NYC PT clinics that aim to maximize their profits with high volume, we prioritize quality of care over all else. Dr. Chan sees patients 1:1 for 45-50 minutes, choosing a low volume, high quality practice model to deliver patient-focused care. Patients are not juggled simultaneously, nor left with an aide or by themselves without guidance. Dr. Chan is hands-on, holistic, solution-oriented, and educates her patients so that they gain a deeper understanding of their body over time.
How will my PT know how to treat me without a doctor's prescription or diagnosis?
As stated by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), "Physical therapists are well-qualified, both through formal education and clinical training, to evaluate a patient's condition, assess his or her physical therapy needs and, if appropriate, safely and effectively treat the patient. Physical therapists are also well-qualified to recognize when patients demonstrate conditions, signs and symptoms that should be evaluated by other health care professionals before therapy is instituted."
How do I know if PT is the right choice over a personal trainer, chiropractor, or massage therapist?
Physical Therapists are experts in analyzing movement, biomechanics, and addressing neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. With prerequisites almost identical to medical school, the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) is an advanced degree that provides the education and clinical training for physical therapists to evaluate, differentially diagnose, create a plan of care, and treat patients using a variety of techniques from manual therapy, exercise, functional training, and some modalities including neuromuscular stimulation, ice, or heat.
How long will I have to undergo PT?
No two people or conditions are exactly alike, but in most clinics, a typical course of PT runs 6 to 8 weeks at a frequency of 2 to 3 times per week. However, with our one-on-one treatment model, patients come for fewer visits and less frequently than they would elsewhere, due to more personalized attention and higher efficacy of each visit. Patients are advised upon their recommended frequency on a case-by-case basis.
What should I wear?
Lightweight, loose or stretch materials are ideal for comfort and movement, and to expose the involved area if necessary. Gym shoes are not needed, but socks are required.
What are your COVID-19 policies?
Dr. Chan has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Since February 21, 2022, masking has been optional. Our studio continues to use medical grade HEPA air filters, effective to 0.1 microns. We ask that patients do not arrive early in order to limit studio occupancy, and if you have symptoms of COVID-19, a recent exposure, or other cold or flu symptoms, we kindly ask that you let us know in advance to determine how to proceed.
How do I make an appointment?
Please email StephanieChanDPT@gmail.com or call us directly at 646.789.4279.