Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

During your first visit you can expect the following:

• Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website - see the patient forms link).
• Arrive 20-30 minutes early to complete all insurance and registration paperwork if you have not already filled out your forms from our website.
• You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy. (if needed)
• We will copy your insurance card and a photo identification card.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist which will take approximately one hour
• The therapist will discuss the following:
  1. Your medical history.
  2. Your current problems/complaints.
  3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  5. Your goals with physical therapy.
  6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.

An initial evaluation may include the following:

• Palpation - touching/probing around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
• Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
• Muscle Testing - the therapist is checking for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
• Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
• Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
• Posture Assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
• Your therapist will make a list of problems you may be experiencing along with recommendations on how to treat those problems. A treatment / care plan is developed with your input. Treatment plans include: how many times you should visit your therapist per week, how many weeks you may need therapy, customized home therapy / exercise programs, patient education, short-term / long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is carefully created using input from you, your therapist, and will be sent to your referring physician for review.
• Your physical therapy sessions may involve massage, modalities, or manual therapy techniques to resolve pain. Once the muscles are relaxed sufficiently they can begin to rebuild strength. Your therapist may also instruct you to do specific exercises designed to restore your muscle function in conjunction with your therapy sessions and upon discharge. It is important that you carefully follow the home exercise instructions and complete your exercises before your next visit. Active participation in your home exercise regime is the key to a rapid recovery.
• Throughout the remainder of your therapy sessions, your physical therapist will briefly evaluate you and your progress. Therapists may make changes to your treatment plan, or, continue on the original course of action depending upon your physical response to therapy and your physician's orders and recommendations. Your therapist(s) will remain in constant contact with your physician during the course of your treatment. Please inform us of any follow-up appointment(s) with your referring physician so that we may generate updated progress report(s) for review.

Make sure you bring the following:

• Physical Therapy Referral / Prescription (provided by your doctor if needed per your insurance).
• Any notes or reports from your doctor (that describe your condition(s).
• Any x-rays or test results that your doctor may have given you.
• If you wear a brace or prosthesis, please have it with you.
• Insurance or payment information.
• Picture Identification.
• Comfortable clothing.
• Form of payment for co-pay, deductible, co-insurance estimates collected at each date of service. (We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express).

You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.Tennis shoes or comfortable flat-soled shoes with socks are also recommended.

Treatment sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes per visit depending on your diagnosis and your established treatment plan.

The number of required visits varies based on your problem / diagnosis. Depending on your condition, you may need one visit or you may need months of care. Length of treatment depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, past medical history, and your physician's orders, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis. When you see your referring physician, we will fax a detailed progress report that includes our recommendations

In order to accommodate each patient's schedule, reserving a time slot for treatment is very important. Canceling an appointment at the last minute, or failing to come in for a session, limits our ability to meet the scheduling needs of other patients. We take this subject seriously as it can make the difference between whether you succeed in your treatment or not. Your referring doctor and/or therapist will prescribe a set frequency of treatments. Showing up as scheduled for these visits is your most important task, therefore: We require 24 hours notice in the event of a cancellation. There is a $25.00 service charge for canceling or not showing for your appointment without proper notice. This charge will not be covered by your insurance and billed to you or will need to be paid at your next scheduled visit.

More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that pain in America is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source.

Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

You have probably heard of the profession of physical therapy. Maybe you have had a conversation with a friend about how physical therapy helped get rid of his or her back pain, or you might know someone who needed physical therapy after an injury. You might even have been treated by a physical therapist yourself. But have you ever wondered about physical therapists--who they are and what they do? Many people are familiar with physical therapists' work helping patients with orthopedic problems, such as low back pain or knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physical therapists provide to assist patients recovering from a stroke (e.g., assisting them with recovering use of their limbs and walking again).

The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.

Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the golf and fitness industries, a number of physical therapists are engaged in consulting with recreational golfers and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs.

The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also "mobilize" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it's important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapists or by physical therapist assistants, who must complete a 2-year education program and who work only under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.

Most forms of physical therapy treatment are covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require patients to see their physicians before seeing a physical therapist. Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you.

Reference: APTA

You and others may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain and after surgery. Your difficulty with moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports, or trouble with walking, etc.). Physical therapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body's ability to move in a normal manner.

Who is better to see, a PT that works for a physician or a PT that owns a private practice? We leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions but here are some facts. The studies indicate there were more treatments (visits per patient were 39% to 45% higher in physician owned clinics) and the cost was greater for those patients that attended a physician owned physical therapy practice (both gross and net revenue per patient were 30% to 40% higher) (1).

Another study indicated that licensed and non-licensed therapy providers spent less time with each patient in physician owned clinics and physical therapy assistants were substituted for physical therapists. (2)

Another older study concluded that "Therapists who had treated patients through direct access were significantly more likely to believe that direct access had benefited them professionally and benefited their patients than were therapists who had not practiced through direct access."(3)

We believe that we can provide you with the highest quality of care available and do it in a cost-effective manner. (4) You will work closely with your physical therapist and in most instances; your case will be managed by the same physical therapist from the beginning to the end of your experience with us.

1. Mitchell, J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992.
2. "Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida," State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991.
3. Domholdt E, Durchholz AG. Direct access use by experienced therapists in states with direct access. Phys Ther. 1992 Aug;72(8):569-74.
4. Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 - This report calls into question billing processes done by non-physical therapist owned practices.

In most cases, health insurance will allow coverage of your physical therapy treatments (except insurance will not cover the patient's responsibility of any co-pay, deductible and co-insurance amounts). However, the amounts paid and number of visits allowed is highly variable and depend on the contract you have with your particular carrier. Please check your policy or call your carrier if you have questions. Click on our insurance link above for a summary of insurances we accept and make sure you talk to our receptionist so we can help you clarify your insurance coverage.

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery. Our clinic only employs Licensed Physical Therapists and Licensed Physical Therapy Assistants that work under the direction of a physical therapist. We do not employ aides or technicians.

Should you need to change appointment times, or your days of treatment please be advised that you may need to see a therapist other than the one who normally treats you in order to receive all of your prescribed treatment. Your regular therapist may already be booked if you change your appointment. We ask for your patience when changes are needed. Therefore,please attend each appointment when scheduled and try to limit canceling and changing appointments. In the event that you may need to be scheduled with a different therapist, all of our therapists are experienced professionals and they will review your chart or talk with your regular therapist to ensure proper care. We will make every effort to schedule you with the same physical therapist each visit, however, there may times when your scheduled therapist is unavailable due to illness, vacation, continuing education, meetings and personal leave, etc.)

Orthopedic Physical Therapy - Probably the most common physical therapy specialist is the orthopedic specialist. These specialists care for post-surgical patients, arthritis, tendinitis/tendinosus, fracture rehabilitation, muscle sprains and strains, neck and back pain, hip and knee problems, shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions. Some are board certified as Orthopedic Certified Specialists (OCS).

*Currently at Professional Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Brian P. Kinmartin, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC; Richard A. Owens, MPT, OCS, Cert. SMT and Richard DeFalco, DPT, OCS, CSCS hold this certification

Manual Therapy - Manual therapy is a broad term that describes a variety of hands-on treatment techniques that are applied to movement dysfunctions. Grade five mobilizations, Mulligan mobilizations with movement, Maitland and Kaltenborn techniques, functional technique, neural mobilization, joint mobilization, craniosacral therapy, strain/counter strain, myofascial release, etc. These are some of the more popular manual therapy techniques. Many manual therapists will take continuing education courses, obtain certifications in manual therapy, and will sit for board certification from the American Physical Therapy Association and other organizations. Most physical therapists incorporate manual therapy techniques as a part of a complete treatment plan.

*Currently at Professional Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Brian P. Kinmartin, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC and Richard A. Owens, MPT, OCS, Cert. SMT hold this certification.

Geriatric Physical Therapy - Some therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of seniors. As the body ages, a variety of challenges arise. We stiffen, we lose strength, our balance skills decline, our bones become brittle (osteoporosis), our endurance decreases, and we take longer to recover from injuries. Balance and fall prevention are of paramount importance to the therapist who is working with seniors and some clinics are solely dedicated to caring for those with balance problems. Most physical therapists work with seniors/geriatric patients. Some have obtained additional education, have passed a board examination, and have earned the Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS) title.

Sports Rehabilitation - Experts in assisting with recovery after injury and surgery. Many sports specialists help with retraining the athlete utilizing running, throwing, jumping, and sport-specific programs to name a few. A therapist with the Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) title has passed a board certified test.

Currently at Professional Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Brian P. Kinmartin, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC holds this certification.

Fitness and Wellness - Physical therapists are well trained to help with your fitness needs and wellness programs. If you need an exercise program, have trouble with your weight, are concerned about osteoporosis, have an issue with diabetes, or you would like to learn how to prevent falls, physical therapists can help. The previous examples are just a few of the many programs physical therapists offer.

Hand Therapy - Most physical therapists are well trained to treat hand and wrist conditions. Some therapists have taken additional courses and training and have passed a hand therapy certification examination. These therapists are called Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs).

Women's Health - Some therapists specialize in women's issues such as pregnancy problems, pelvic pain, and incontinence. Special treatment is available for women who have these problems. Many that suffer from incontinence do so needlessly. A physical therapist may be able to help.

Industrial Rehabilitation - Specialists in industrial rehabilitation help with those that have suffered on-the-job injuries. Moreover, they will evaluate work tasks, fabricate assistive devices, evaluate your ergonomic situation, and help redesign work flow/tasks to decrease the incidence of injury. Often, industrial rehabilitation specialists will evaluate your ability to perform certain job tasks with a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).

Pediatric Physical Therapy - Pediatric therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of children. They may assist with kids who suffer from cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, and/or orthopedic problems. A Pediatric Certified Specialist (PCS) is a board certification that some may obtain from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Aquatic Physical Therapy - Aquatic therapy takes advantage of the physical properties of water to assist with the rehabilitative process. Buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and thermal properties of water can assist with the rehabilitation of a patient. Those suffering from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar fusion surgery, or with a limited weight-bearing status are just a few of the many different patient populations that can benefit from aquatic therapy.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - A small percentage of physical therapists practice in this discipline. Those that pass the board certification have the title of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist (CCS) work with patients who have had heart attacks, bypass surgeries, angioplasty, breathing problems, emphysema, and other heart/lung related conditions. Physical therapists are well equipped to work with these types of patients because many of them have orthopedic ailments that limit their ability to function. In other words, a physical therapist can address the heart and lung problems as well as the muscle problems that are concurrently present.

Neurological, Spinal Cord Injury, and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehab - A large portion of physical therapists work with patients who suffer from these conditions. Functional retraining including, walking, wheelchair use, getting in and out of bed or chairs (transfer training), moving in bed (bed mobility), and retraining patients to use their shoulders, arms, and hands are just some of the services these therapists provide to those with neurological involvement. A certified specialist holds a Neurologic Certified Specialist title (NCS).

Balance, Dizziness, and Vertigo Rehabilitation - Many suffer from dizziness or BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). Some clinics specialize in the rehabilitation of patients with vertigo. Patient education, strengthening, safety awareness, posture and balance exercise, walking exercise, and special techniques that affect sensory and balance centers of the brain and limbs are all important components of a rehabilitation program.

*PRS is highly recommended by area neurologists for the treatment of Vestibular Disorders**

Currently at PRS Dr. Brian Kinmartin, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC is a Certified Vestibular Therapist through the APTA Credential and Emory University.

Amputee Rehabilitation - many physical therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of amputees. Caring for the injured limb, functional and walking training, training in the use of assistive devices (crutches, canes, prosthetic limbs, etc.) are all provided by a therapist who specializes in care for amputees.

Wound Care - Some therapists specialize in the treatment and care of wounds. This is accomplished by the removal of unviable tissue (debridement), the application of special dressings and prescription drugs/ointments, and the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and aquatic modalities to promote healing. Exercise and patient education are also routine components of a wound care program.

ECS (Clinical Electrophysiologic Certified Specialist) - A physical therapist who is board certified to perform electroneurophysiology examinations such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography.

Lymphedema Rehabilitation - We take it for granted but a special component of the circulatory system, the lymph system, helps filter and drain fluid from our arms and legs. When this drainage system is damaged, painful swelling can result. Some therapists specialize in the treatment of lymphedema as it is called. Special positioning, massage and bandaging techniques are utilized by the lymphedema specialist.

Osteoporosis Rehabilitation and Prevention - Some practitioners specialize in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis patients. Working in concert with your medical doctor, the therapist will often design a specialized weight-bearing and resistance training program for those with this silent disease.

Note: All physical therapists do not have to be specialized in the list above in order to treat you. Like most professions, these are additional certifications in which physical therapists can specialize in that allow them to obtain a higher level of skill and/or education in this specialty.

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.

In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

Please understand that pain is a symptom of an underlying problem. While alleviating your pain is one of the goals of treatment, our main objective is to address the underlying problems that are causing the pain. As a result, your pain may increase and/or decrease throughout your treatment before it is finally controlled, so please do not let your pain level be the reason for skipping appointments.

There are dozens of different types of treatment interventions. Here is a list of treatment interventions:

Active Range of Motion (AROM) - the patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity. AROM is usually one of the first modalities prescribed for arthritis.

Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) - therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.

Stationary Bicycle - with or without resistance. This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardiovascular endurance.

Gait or Walking Training - the analysis of walking problems by visually examining the interaction of the low back and the joints of the thighs, legs, and feet during the various stages of walking, including initial contact, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing, mid swing, and terminal swing. Many back, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot problems may be caused by or manifest themselves in subtle gait abnormalities.

Isometrics - muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging the joint (e.g., arthritis, or exercises to be performed in a cast, or right after surgery if recommended by the therapist/doctor).

Isotonics- muscle(s) contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening.

Soft Tissue Mobilization - therapeutic massage of body tissue performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used for muscle relaxation, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief.

Mobilization - hands-on therapeutic procedures intended to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Mobilization is usually prescribed to increase mobility, delaying progressive stiffness, and to relieve pain. There are many types of mobilization techniques including Maitland, Kaltenborn, Isometric Mobilizations, etc.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) - a system of manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns that mimic functional movements. PNF was initially used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients but now is used in almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining from athletes in sports facilities to the very weak in hospitals and nursing homes.

Posture Training - instruction in the correct biomechanical alignment of the body to reduce undue strain on muscles, joints, ligaments, discs, and other soft tissues. There is an ideal posture, but most people do not have ideal posture. Therapists educate patients about the importance of improving posture with daily activities. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed to facilitate postural improvement and to prevent further disability and future recurrences of problems.

Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE) - exercises that gradually increase in resistance (weights) and in repetitions. PRE is usually prescribed for reeducation of muscles and strengthening. Weights, rubber bands, and body weight can be used as resistance.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) - the patient or therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the use of the muscles that "actively" move the joint(s).

Stretching/Flexibility Exercise - exercise designed to lengthen muscle(s) or soft tissue. Stretching exercises are usually prescribed to improve the flexibility of muscles that have tightened due to disuse or in compensation to pain, spasm or immobilization.

Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy - used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) - the application of electrical stimulation to aid in improving strength (e.g., the quadriceps muscle after knee surgery or injury). NMES is also used to decrease pain and swelling and to relieve muscle spasm.

Neck Traction - a gentle longitudinal/axial pull on the neck, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous for relief of neck pain, to decrease muscle spasm and facilitate unloading of the spine.

Heat - heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and for pain relief. It should not be used with an acute or "new" injury.

Iontophoresis - medications are propelled through the skin by an electrical charge. This modality works on the physical concept that like charges repel each other, therefore, a positively charged medication will be repelled through the skin to the underlying tissues by the positively charged pad of an iontophoresis machine. Iontophoresis is usually prescribed for injuries such as shoulder or elbow bursitis.

Pelvic Traction - the longitudinal/axial pull on the lumbar spine, manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous. Pelvic traction may be helpful for the relief of low back pain and muscle spasm.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - a relatively low voltage applied over painful areas through small self-adhesive electrodes. The electrical stimulation "disguises" or "overrides" the sensation of pain. It is a small, portable unit, used in intervals, to control pain and reduce dependence on drugs. It is usually prescribed for relief of pain.

Ultrasound - ultrasound uses a high frequency sound wave emitted from the sound head when electricity is passed through a quartz crystal. The sound waves cause the vibration of water molecules deep within tissue causing a heating effect. When the sound waves are pulsed, they cause a vibration of the tissue rather than heating. The stream of sound waves helps with nutrition exchange at the cellular level and healing. Studies have shown that ultrasound is helpful for ligament healing and clinically, for carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasm.

Just because you are feeling worse does not mean treatment is not working, nor does your feeling better mean that you do not need to come back. Please let us know of any changes in pain level throughout your treatment; that information is important for our understanding of your progress. Also, please remember that it is important to complete your therapy, regardless of your pain level, to ensure that the true underlying problem is properly addressed.

A copy of your initial evaluation will be sent to your referring physician, along with regular progress notes to keep your physician updated on your progress and current functional status. Communication with all parties is an important component of your treatment program. If you are going to see the referring doctor at any time during your treatment please advice our staff and we will make sure you have a progress report for your appointment for your doctor to review.

Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically - to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.

Flare-ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

Inform your referring physician that you would like to receive treatment at "Professional Rehabilitation Services" You have the right to choose where you receive your treatment. Remember, any physical therapy referral from your doctor may be used at any physical therapy location.

Forty-four states have some form of direct access. Other states allow patients to go directly to physical therapists. In the state of South Carolina you do not need a physician's referral to receive physical therapy care from a licensed physical therapist; however, a majority of health insurance companies will not cover physical therapy services payment(s) without a referral. Contact your insurance company to see if a referral is required for payment. If your insurance requires no referral then you can come to physical therapy for 30 days before having to obtain a referral from a physician. In most cases, if you are not making significant improvement within 30 days, the therapist will refer you to/back to your physician. You will need to confirm if a referral is required with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment. If your insurance requires a referral then you must have a referral for your appointment or your insurance will not pay. (Medicare, Medicaid and Workers' Compensation insurance requires a referral.)

Direct Access Reference

There are 2 things you can do:

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor for your problem and let your doctor know that you would like to receive your treatment at our facility at the time of your doctor's visit if he/she recommends Physical Therapy. You do have the right to choose where you receive your treatment. Remember, the referral from your doctor may be used at ANY physical therapy location you desire, not only the one your doctor suggests. We are highly recommended by many area physicians and the community and if you request to see us please tell your physician at the time of your appointment then call one of our offices to schedule an appointment.
2. Download and print a copy of our referral form(s) before seeing your doctor and take with you to your appointment. If your doctor recommends Physical Therapy give him the referral to fill out then call one of our offices to schedule an appointment.

Note: The referral form must be completed and signed by your referring physician to be valid if your insurance requires a referral.

In most states, physical therapists cannot make a medical diagnosis. This is something that your medical doctor will provide for you.

Physical therapists are important members of your medical team. At this point in time, physicians are typically the health care providers that will provide you with a medical diagnosis.

When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

1. As a courtesy to our patients, we will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits prior to your appointment once we receive your insurance information over the phone. However, dealing with health insurance plans can sometimes be complicated, that's why we highly encouraging you to know your Physical Therapy benefits before you attend your first visit with us. After each visit PRS will file all insurance on your behalf through our billing company. Below is the procedure we follow from the time we get your insurance card until you receive a statement from us. In some cases, it is necessary for us to ask for your assistance in obtaining information from your insurance carrier when needed.
2. When you are seen for treatment the following occurs: Your therapist submits your charges daily to our billing company and in turn they bill your insurance company(s). Physical Therapy is billed by CPT (Common Procedure Terminology) codes. Insurance companies require that we itemize every procedure we perform. Each procedure has a numeric code (CPT Code) and a specific charge according to our fee schedule. Many codes are "time dependent" and billed in increments. Since many treatment sessions last an hour there may be 4 different billing codes submitted for a single visit. These codes are then transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to your insurance carriers by our billing team.
3. The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule if we are contracted with them.
4. Within 4 to 6 weeks, an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) is generated by your insurance and it is sent to the patient and our physical therapy clinic. It will show what amount, if any, that is your responsibility (including co-payments, co-insurance, or deductibles) and charges your insurance does not cover or has denied that you will be responsible for. This EOB tells us how to apply the payments and adjustments to your account. Adjustments result from contracts we have with the insurance companies.
5. If you have a secondary insurance, our billing company will then file with that insurance provided we have been given all required information.
6. If there is no secondary insurance to file, we will transfer the balance (if any) to your responsibility and you will receive a monthly statement during the first week of the month. You will get a statement every month until all dates of service are paid in full pending on what insurance has processed for the month. Once your insurance has processed all dates of service if you have a credit / refund on your account it will refunded then. Refunds are done once month.
7. It is important to understand that there are many small steps (beyond the outline provided above) within the process. Exceptions are common to the above example as well. At any time along the way, information may be missing, miss-communicated, or misunderstood or it may take several submissions of your claims to the insurance company until they pay which is out of our control. This can delay the payment process. While it is common for the payment process to be completed in 60-90 days or less, it is not uncommon for the physical therapy clinic to receive payment as long as six months to one year after the treatment date to get insurance errors / problems resolved.

Important Note: Your insurance company may decide that certain treatments are not covered and may choose to deny payment for these services. Any treatment provided is in your best interest and is an integral part of your recovery. All codes provided to your insurance company are billable physical therapy codes.

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.

Physical therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are licensed by their respective states.

These are some things you may consider when seeking a physical therapy clinic:

• The therapist should be licensed in the state.
• The first visit should include a thorough medical history and physical examination before any treatment is rendered.
• The patient goals should be discussed in detail during the first visit.
• Care should include a variety of techniques which might include hands-on techniques, soft tissue work, therapeutic exercises and in some cases heat, cold, electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
• Do they have a service that can address your problem?
• Do they take your insurance or are they willing to work with you if they are not a preferred provider?
• What are the hours of operation?
• Can they provide satisfaction survey results?
• The licensed therapists should provide the treatment not aides or technicians.
• Can you briefly interview the therapist before the first visit?
• Ask your family and friends whom they would recommend.

Our privacy policy can be read here:

Notice of Privacy Practices

If you believe you have re-injured yourself, or if another medical emergency arises, you should contact your regular physician or go to the nearest emergency room.