Optum Physical Therapy in Totowa & Nutley, NJ

In-network physical therapy for members whose benefits are administered by Optum.

Is Optum Accepted Here?

Yes. Expert Rehabilitation Group is an in-network physical therapy provider with Optum at both our Totowa and Nutley, New Jersey clinics.

Optum is not usually the name on your insurance card — it is the organization that administers the physical therapy benefit for many UnitedHealthcare and Oxford plans, and for some other carriers as well.

What Being In Network Actually Means

Being in network means we have a contracted rate with the carrier, so you pay your plan’s in-network cost share rather than out-of-network rates. It does not mean every service is automatically covered or unlimited — coverage still depends on your individual plan, your deductible, and any visit limits or authorization rules it carries.

We treat orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions exclusively: orthopedic physical therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, spine care, and injury rehabilitation at our Totowa and Nutley clinics.

Why Optum Matters for Physical Therapy

When a plan routes therapy through Optum, Optum is typically what determines how many visits are authorized at a time and when additional visits need to be requested. That is why a patient can be told they have “unlimited” PT and still find that visits are approved in batches.

We handle that process for you. We submit the clinical documentation, request continued authorization when it is warranted, and tell you honestly when you have reached the point where more therapy is not going to add meaningful benefit.

Do You Need a Referral?

Under New Jersey’s Direct Access law, Dr. Sheldon Shterengarts and Dr. Roger Avecillas can evaluate and treat you without a prescription from another provider.

That is the law. Your insurance contract is separate — some plans still require a referral in order to pay, even though one is not required to treat. Confirming that distinction for your specific plan is part of what we check when we verify your benefits.

Referral requirements depend on the underlying plan rather than Optum itself. Authorization for continued visits, however, is usually managed by Optum, and we take care of those submissions.

We Verify Your Benefits Before You Start

Before your first visit our bilingual staff contacts your plan directly and confirms your physical therapy benefits — whether a referral is required, how many visits are authorized, and what your copay or deductible responsibility will be. You will know your costs before treatment starts, not after.

Have your member ID card handy and call (973) 221-5236.

You can also see every plan we participate with on our in-network insurance page.

Check Your Optum Coverage

Call or text (973) 221-5236 with your member ID card, or contact us online. We will confirm your benefits and get you scheduled — often the same day. Totowa and Nutley, New Jersey.