FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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.

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor's office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

1. The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Workers' Comp, or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.
2. Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.
3. The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule.
4. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.
5. The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.

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, miscommunicated, or misunderstood. This can delay the payment process. While it is common for the payment process to be completed in 60 days or less, it is not uncommon for the physical therapy clinic to receive payment as long as six months after the treatment date.

  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. 

Our physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed or certified by New York State.  

 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?
• They should be conveniently located. Since sitting and driving often aggravate orthopedic problems, there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation.
• What are the hours of operation?
• Can they provide satisfaction survey results?
• The therapist should provide the treatment.
• Can you briefly interview the therapist before the first visit?
• Ask your family and friends who they would recommend.