Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any restriction on who can see a physiotherapist?
Referrals can come from any source – via a GP, a self-referral, or as part of the patient’s post-op recovery, and patients do not need to have health insurance to be seen. First Physio welcomes all referrals. Non-members are very welcome.
What are your fees?
Initial consultation and treatment session
– 45 minutes £60
Existing patient with new problem
– 45 minutes £55
Physiotherapy treatment session
– 45 minutes £50
Home visit (+travel time / fuel) *
– 45-60 minutes £70 with additional mileage and time to travel fee if more than 5 miles from clinic address to be agreed in advance. Please call 07977 012725 to discuss.
*this includes Covid-19 screening prior to all appointments. Screening will dictate whether face to face appointments is an option based on Public Health England guidance
Sports Massage Session:
– 30 minutes – £30
– 45 minutes – £40
– 1 hour – £45
Fees Payable
At time of consultation/appointment, by cheque, card or cash.
Fitness First Club Members
10% discount on all physiotherapy treatments (on presentation of valid membership card)
Do I need a GP referral?
No, we do not require a GP referral for you to be seen within the clinic.
However, many private medical insurance companies require a GP referral before they will fund your treatment. If you are in any doubt, you should contact your medical insurance company directly to check.
I am not a Fitness First member can I still see you for treatment?
Non members are very welcome. First Physio welcomes all referrals. Non-members can also, as part of their physiotherapy session, if necessary, with their physiotherapist use the state of the art gym facilities as part of the comprehensive assessment and treatment.
Will my medical insurance cover my costs?
First Physio is an approved provider for most major private medical insurance companies and is a BUPA accredited practice. We submit claims directly to your insurance company, as long as you have given us your policy details and authorisation number. Please ensure that you bring all your insurance details with you when you attend your first appointment.As every policy is different, we recommend you contact your insurance company prior to making an appointment to clarify:
- Whether your policy covers you for physiotherapy
- It may also be necessary for you to have been referred by your GP or specialist
- Whether there are restrictions on the number of sessions you are allowed and get you authorisation code for the episode of physiotherapy
- Whether you may be asked to fund any excesses or shortfalls. We would ask that this could be settled promptly.
You will be responsible for any costs not covered by your insurance company.
How do I book an appointment?
Please call or text 07977012725 or email via the contact page.
How do I find you?
First Physio is located within Fitness First, Tudor Street, Exeter, EX4 3BR
Where can I park?
First Physio has free extensive on-site parking at Fitness First immediately outside the building. You will need to register your vehicle each time you visit the clinic as you enter the building.
What should I bring with me?
If you have a referral letter from your GP or another clinician, you should bring this with you. If you have had investigations related to your condition or if you have any other relevant medical information, please bring along copies of any reports or images you have as they may be useful to your clinician.
What should I wear?
You will need to wear or bring suitable clothing to change into which allows the clinician to assess the site of your injury. For example, shorts for a lower limb injury would be appropriate. In the case of shoulder, neck or upper back problems, it may be necessary to remove your shirt or top to expose the relevant area.
What happens when I arrive?
Please make sure you enter your car registration into the touch screen on the wall on the left when you enter the building, this will enable you to park for up to four hours. On arrival, you will be greeted by the reception staff at Fitness First. You will be pointed to our discrete waiting area, at the back of and separate to, the club lounge and social area. Please take a seat in this area. Your physiotherapist or sports masseuse will meet you here for your appointment.
What happens when I come to my first appointment?
Your physiotherapist will ask you some questions aimed at identifying the nature of your problem. They will then examine you, which may include asking you to perform specific movements or carrying out a particular test on you. The physiotherapist will then make a diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan with you. Please feel free to ask them questions, so you understand what they will be doing, and what might be expected of you. Your treatment plan will start straight away, and you may be given exercises to work on at home.
How we handle your personal information
When you visit or contact us, we will ask you to provide us with personal details for our records. This could include your name, e-mail address, and postal address, date of birth, a medical questionnaire, and other information that will help us treat you and allow us to contact you when necessary.
Details of any treatment/advice are also held on your record.
Any information that you give us is held safely and securely and only stored for as long as we need it.
We do not share or use this information & personal data unless we have your agreement to do so. We will ask you for this on your first visit.
For more information please view our privacy policy
How long will my appointment last?
Your initial appointment will last up to 45 minutes and include a full assessment and treatment. Any follow up will be 45 minutes long. Sports massages will be 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on what you choose to book.
What happens if I cancel my appointment at short notice?
If you miss your appointment, or we receive less than 24 hours notice of a cancellation we will charge 50% of the appointment fee if we are unable to fill the appointment. This will be sent directly to you, rather than your insurance company if you are insured.
How do I pay for my appointment?
If you are self-funding your appointment cash, card or cheque is acceptable. Unfortunately, we do not accept American express.
Fitness first members receive a 10 % discount on your physiotherapy treatment. A valid membership card will need to be produced.
If you are claiming through insurance please check that the clinician and or practice are registered with your company prior to making the appointment. We will need the provider name, policy number and authorisation code for the treatment episode prior to assessment.
Do you have disabled access?
There are a number of disabled parking bays immediately outside the premises and there are no stairs to the treatment rooms.
Do you have changing facilities and toilets?
Extensive changing and showering facilities are available if required within Fitness First.