New Patients: Here Is Exactly What Happens

Starting care should not feel like a leap. This page walks you through every step from the moment you reach out to the end of your first visit, so there are no surprises.

From first contact to a clear plan

1. You reach out

Call, email, or book online. Our admin gathers the basics: what is going on, whether it is golf, sport, or general PT related, and what you are hoping to get back to.

3. Your patient portal and forms

You receive access to our patient portal (PTEverywhere) to complete intake forms and your history online before you arrive. That way your first visit is spent on you, not on paperwork.

5. Your plan

You leave with a clear explanation of what is going on, the priorities, how often to come in, what you can start doing today, and what progress should look like. Your home program is delivered through the app.

2. A short consult conversation

Before you commit to anything, you get a quick call to make sure VIP PT is the right fit, answer your questions about the process and pricing, and pick the right starting service.

4. Your evaluation

90 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Smith. History, movement assessment, strength and mobility testing, hands-on evaluation, and a real conversation about your goals. Treatment starts on day one when appropriate.

1. You reach out

Call, email, or book online. Our admin gathers the basics: what is going on, whether it is golf, sport, or general PT related, and what you are hoping to get back to.

2. A short consult conversation

Before you commit to anything, you get a quick call to make sure VIP PT is the right fit, answer your questions about the process and pricing, and pick the right starting service.

3. Your patient portal and forms

You receive access to our patient portal (PTEverywhere) to complete intake forms and your history online before you arrive. That way your first visit is spent on you, not on paperwork.

4. Your evaluation

90 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Smith. History, movement assessment, strength and mobility testing, hands-on evaluation, and a real conversation about your goals. Treatment starts on day one when appropriate.

5. Your plan

You leave with a clear explanation of what is going on, the priorities, how often to come in, what you can start doing today, and what progress should look like. Your home program is delivered through the app.

What your first visit is for

The first visit is designed to do more than find where it hurts. The goal is to understand your history, your goals, how you move right now, and the demands you need to get back to, whether that is daily training, your sport, or the golf course.

Find the driver

We find the mechanical reason behind the symptom, not just the sore spot. That is what makes the plan work.

Set a baseline

Range of motion, strength, balance, and movement quality are measured so progress is tracked with numbers, not impressions.

How long the first visit is

90 MINUTES

Physical therapy evaluations are scheduled for 90 minutes so there is time to assess you thoroughly and start building a plan. Golf Evaluations for the Golf Performance program are booked separately; see Golf Performance.

What to bring

Documents

Photo ID, your insurance card if you plan to submit a superbill, and any recent imaging reports, surgical notes, or referral paperwork.

Your history

A short timeline of the problem, what has been tried, and a list of current medications. The intake forms in the portal cover most of this.

Sport information

Swing video, launch monitor numbers, or game footage if you are coming in for golf or sport-specific work. It helps.

Questions

Write them down. There will be time to ask them.

What to expect during the visit

Your first visit may include:

What to wear

Clothing you can move in that gives access to the area being evaluated.
Athletic shorts for lower body and back evaluations
A t-shirt or tank for shoulder and upper back evaluations
Athletic shoes for movement analysis and balance testing

What happens after the evaluation

You should leave with a clearer picture of:

Do you need a referral?

No. Maryland allows you to see a physical therapist directly without a physician referral. One thing to know: some insurance plans require a referral before they will reimburse an out-of-network claim. If you plan to submit a superbill, check your plan first. We can help you find out what your plan needs.

Booking and scheduling

Book online, call (443) 987-1996, or email Admin@thevippt.com. Because every visit is one-on-one and the time is reserved for you, please give notice if you need to reschedule. Cancellation terms are shared when you book.

Still unsure?

That is normal. A quick phone call usually answers the last few questions and helps you decide whether VIP PT is the right fit.

GOT A QUESTION?

New patient questions

Yes. Tell us what is going on and we will point you to the right starting point.
Yes. Dr. Smith is the only clinician at VIP PT. There are no hand-offs.
Yes. Golf is the specialty here. Tell us up front so the evaluation is built around it.
No. Many patients come to VIP PT because they want a more direct, one-on-one plan. Bring what you have and we will build from there.
The initial evaluation is $225 and follow-ups are $200. Packages, golf programs, and memberships are listed on the pricing page.

Ready for a clearer plan?

One-on-one care with Dr. Michael Smith. No hand-offs, no crowded treatment floor, no guessing.