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FAQ

• What do I need to bring with me on my first visit?

You will need to bring the following:

  • Referral/prescription
  • Insurance cards
  • If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident you will need to provide your own auto insurance information (i.e., name of insured, claim number, date of injury, and adjuster’s name and phone number) even if you were not at fault.
  • Bring your paperwork completed. You may download the forms from our website (see the forms link). If you are unable to download the forms please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.

• How should I dress?

You should wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in.  For example, if your knee is being treated wear shorts. If your shoulder were being treated a tank top would be a good choice.

• Do I need a doctor’s prescription?

No. However, if you wish to use insurance to cover treatments, your insurance company probably requires a prescription.

• How much will it cost?

If you have insurance coverage, your co-insurance will be determined by your individual plan. We offer cash discounts and the option to pay by credit card. Please feel free to call ahead for specific services and questions regarding your insurance plan.
• How long should I expect each treatment to last?
Typically the initial evaluation will last 60 minutes, and follow-up appointments are 30 to 45 minutes.
• How many visits will I need?
Physical therapy services are unique in that most patients are scheduled to attend on a frequent basis, commonly 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks. Your doctor and therapist will make recommendations for frequency (how often) and duration (how long) you may require treatment.
• What can physical therapists help me accomplish?*
Physical therapists can help you improve your mobility and quality of life without the expense of surgery or side effects of pain medication. Physical therapists are also the health care professionals of choice for rehabilitation for orthopedic, neurological, work and sports injuries, and many other conditions and injuries.
• Are physical therapists doctors?
More and more physical therapists are graduating with a DPT degree. DPT signifies Doctor of Physical Therapy.  Physical Therapists are not physicians.  A professional Doctor is a title given to someone who can read and interpret research for his or her field of study. Dentists, Physical Therapists, some Pharmacists, and even some Lawyers can earn the Degree of Doctor, which signifies they can critically analyze the research of their field to make the best decision for their patient/client. For your physician, this means reading and understanding research to choose the best medical procedures.  For physical therapists it means which exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities are most appropriate for a patient.
• What are the educational requirements to become a physical therapist?*
Many physical therapy programs require that graduates obtain a doctor of physical therapy degree.  The minimum educational requirement is a master’s degree.
• Do Physical therapists have specialist certifications in areas of expertise?*
Some physical therapists choose to advance their knowledge and expertise in specialty areas such as pediatrics, neurology, sports or geriatrics to name a few. To achieve these certifications, they must sit for specialist certification exams, and have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the specialty area. Other specific requirements may apply based on specialty area.
• How can a physical therapist help me?*
Physical therapists are experts in the way the human body moves. They use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They will also help you prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs to help you achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle.
• Can a physical therapist help to alleviate pain?*
Yes, in many cases, a personal, comprehensive treatment plan by a physical therapist can help you reduce and/or eliminate pain.
• Can a physical therapist help me avoid surgery?*
Yes, many conditions can be successfully treated without expensive and painful surgery. Talk to your physical therapist to see what options are available to you. Surgery does not have to be your only course of action.
• Can my therapist provide me with a diagnosis?*
In most states physical therapists cannot make a medical diagnosis. Only your physician can provide that for you.

*Information provided by www.apta.org

 

 

 

 

 

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