Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will see a myriad of questions that we often receive when scheduling a new patient. Please check out the questions and answers below. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us via email, phone, or even drop by for a quick visit with our Office Manager. We are always willing to talk to you about our practice!
What should I expect on my first visit?
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Your first visit will last approximately 45 minutes.
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Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out your New Patient Information if you haven't already completed it online or by mail.
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Come ready to “move.” Wear comfortable clothing that will allow us to see you move and identify problems that we may be treating. Please, no jeans. If you need to change clothing, private space will be available.
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You will be greeted by our front office staff or one of our aides.
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We will make a copy of your insurance card(s) if your services are covered so we can bill them on your behalf.
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We will also make a copy of your ID, so make sure you have that handy.
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Your therapist will greet you in our waiting room and take you into a private treatment room to start the evaluation process where we will inquire about your reason for attending therapy and review your pertinent medical history. At this time, you will have the opportunity to express your concerns about your condition.
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After this thorough history, your therapist will then perform a physical examination, evaluating your posture, range of motion, strength and joint mobility.
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Once we have determined a path of treatment, we will review our findings with you and discuss/perform an initial treatment, advise any recommendations for home or working postures or activities, issue a home exercise program and schedule your next appointment.
Do you take my Insurance?
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We accept many forms of payment: private insurance plans, government sponsored health coverage, worker’s compensation, and private pay. (ie: Blue Shield/Blue Cross/Medicare/UHC/Cigna/ASH/Physmetrics)
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We accept PPOs, POSs, EPOs.
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We are contracted with Community Health Systems *this is the ONLY HMO we accept.
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If you have questions about your specific insurance, we will be happy to assist.
Do I Need A Referral or Script for my First Visit?
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This will depend on your insurance and situation. *Please contact your insurance company for your Physical Therapy benefit information.
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If you are going through a Worker's Compensation Insurance, we will need Authorization PRIOR to your first visit.
Do you take my Insurance?
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If you are using insurance, we will do our best to confirm your benefits before your first visit. You may have a Co-Pay, Co-Ins, or Deductible that you are responsible to pay. Remember, all providers are covered under different guidelines and payment schedules. Keep this in mind when you have co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance amounts with your insurance. Physical therapy may differ from your primary care physician, specialists, etc.
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Once services are rendered, we will, as a courtesy, bill your insurance company for your therapy. We say “courtesy,” because you can bill your own insurance for services you receive; we can help if you choose to use this method.
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After we receive payment, an “explanation of benefits” will accompany payment. This is the same “EOB” you will receive detailing your coverage and payment amounts.
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On this form, you will find the date of service, amount billed, amount allowed for the services rendered, amount applied to your deductible if appropriate, amount of your co-pay, amount you may owe, and the amount we were paid for the services.
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At this time, if any amount is due of you, we will then send a detailed bill payable at time of receipt.
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*We will do our best to work with your insurance to secure payment on your behalf. If, after 6 months from service, your insurance company has not responded OR has denied coverage, you will be responsible for the full amount and may try to secure reimbursement from your insurance company on your own.
Will Physical Therapy Hurt?
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Many times, patients come to physical therapy due to pain. Our goal is to help guide the healing process to aid in the elimination of your pain. Although “no pain, no gain” is a common statement thrown around, many times treatment is very comfortable in efforts to reduce your pain. Please keep your communication open with your therapist and adjusting your comfort is our primary concern. And, as always, the patient always has the right to stop a procedure that may be uncomfortable.
Do I have to Go to a Specific Clinic?
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The patient always has the right to choose their physical therapist. Many referring sources will recommend certain clinics based on your ailment, personality or location. But, ultimately, the patient has the last say in the matter. Some additional reasons for referral to a variety of different clinics are primarily based on insurance contracts.