Patient Information for Your Visit at Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy
At Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy, our team provides physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic care in Shirley, NY with a focus on clarity, preparation, and patient confidence. Patients who begin therapy at our multidisciplinary clinic often want to understand what to bring, how billing works, and what options are available. Our staff aims to make the process simple so you can focus on improving movement, strength, and daily function.
Patient Info and Forms
Preparing for your first appointment helps your visit run smoothly. Patients starting therapy at Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy should plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early if paperwork has not been completed in advance. Our office provides intake forms that gather medical history, current symptoms, medications, and personal goals. This information allows the physical therapist to begin the evaluation with a clear understanding of your needs.
Bring a photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and any relevant imaging reports or referrals. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being evaluated, such as shorts for knee concerns or a loose shirt for shoulder issues. If you have questions about forms or documentation, our front desk team can provide guidance before your visit.
Insurance information
Insurance coverage for therapy varies by provider and individual plan. Our administrative team verifies benefits before your first visit whenever possible. Staff members review information such as copay amounts, deductibles, visit limits, and authorization requirements.
Patients receive explanations of financial responsibility in clear language. If questions arise about coverage or billing, our team works to provide timely clarification. Understanding insurance details early helps prevent confusion and allows patients to focus on recovery. If your plan requires a referral or authorization, the office will guide you through the necessary steps.
List of accepted insurance providers:
- Aetna
- Alberta Health Services
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (EPO, HMO, POS, ACA exchange, and PPO plans)
- Care Credit
- Cash Pay / Self Pay
- Cigna
- Coventry
- Definity Health
- Direct Billing
- First Health
- Fiserv Health
- Golden Rule
- Great-West
- Humana
- Medicare
- MVA Insurance
- OHIP Publicly Funded
- PHCS
- Southcare
- Tricare
- Unicare
- United Healthcare
- WCB (Worker’s Comp)
Cash-based services
Some patients prefer flexible payment options or do not wish to use insurance benefits. Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy offers cash based options for individuals seeking physical therapy without billing through insurance. This model allows patients and therapists to focus directly on goals, visit frequency, and individualized planning.
Cash based care may be helpful for individuals with high deductibles, limited coverage, or specific performance goals. The clinic can provide clear information about session rates, payment timing, and scheduling structure. Choosing a cash option does not change the quality of care. The evaluation, goal setting process, and progression model remain consistent with our clinical standards.
Direct Access
Many patients can begin physical therapy without a physician referral, depending on state regulations and insurance requirements. Direct access allows individuals to schedule an evaluation promptly when pain or movement concerns arise. Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide appropriate next steps.
During a direct access visit, a licensed physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation. If findings suggest that additional medical consultation is needed, the therapist will recommend appropriate follow-up. Direct access does not replace medical care when it is necessary, but it allows faster entry into conservative treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions. Our team can explain how direct access applies to physical therapy in Shirley, NY and help determine whether a referral is required for your specific plan.

Refer a Friend
Many patients learn about our Shirley, NY multidisciplinary clinic through friends, family members, or coworkers. If you know someone who may benefit from care at Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy, we welcome referrals. Referring a friend simply involves sharing our clinic information so they can contact us directly.
When a new patient schedules an evaluation, the team completes a full assessment and develops an individualized plan based on that person’s goals and medical history. Each individual receives personalized care regardless of referral source. We appreciate your trust and value the opportunity to support more members of the community through patient centered physical therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit at Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy?
How often will I need to attend therapy or chiropractic care?
Can I call the clinic if I have questions before scheduling?
Ready to Begin Your Care with Confidence
If you have questions about forms, insurance coverage, direct access, or payment options, contact Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy today. Our team will provide clear answers and help you take the next step toward starting physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic care in Shirley, NY. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing ongoing discomfort, or looking to improve movement, we are here to guide you through the process.
Christopher Horsford Physical Therapy remains committed to supporting individuals and families seeking physical therapy with a straightforward, patient centered approach.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free

