Your First Visit

FAQ

• Will my insurance cover physical therapy?

  Most insurance companies do cover Physical Therapy services. The amount and type of coverage varies. It is always best to check with your insurance company regarding specific coverage guidelines. Our office staff will also verify your specific coverage guidelines before your first visit.

• Are you in my network?

  We accept a wide range of insurance plans. Please go to the insurance plan page for a general list of accepted plans. If your plan is not listed, it is possible that we are in your Network so please contact our clinic to find out.

  We do offer services if you chose to pay without insurance as well. Please contact your local office for rates.

• Who should I contact about billing questions?

  All of our billing is handled by our Administrative Office. You can contact them directly at (845) 636-4344 or toll free at 1-877-712-2ABS.

• How can I make an appointment?

  Call us at (888) 989-3323 or Request an Appointment and our team will be glad to help you.

• Should I ask my doctor to refer me if I may need therapy?

  There are a few options that you have. If you are having a problem you think may be helped by therapy ask your doctor or give us a call and we will help you to determine if this is a problem that may be helped by Physical Therapy. New York State, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and North Carolina also have Direct Access which allows you to come to Physical Therapy for 10 visits or 30 days without a prescription from your physician. Please contact us for more details.

• When is the best time to start physical therapy?

  Typically, treatment should begin as early as possible. Treating a problem early helps to prevent it from becoming chronic and in the prevention of future problems. This decreases the length of time you may require treatment and reduces healthcare costs.

• What type of treatment will I receive?

  Treatment is based on the initial evaluation findings along with ongoing reassessment and evaluation. Treatment may consist of a variety of hands-on joint and soft tissue treatment techniques, exercise techniques and pain reducing modalities. Treatments are designed to increase motion and strength, reduce pain, and most importantly, restore function. Patients are typically involved in an active exercise program at home and are educated in ways to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the problem.

• What should I expect on my first visit?

  On your first visit, your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of the problem. The evaluation involves a history, certain tests and measurements, postural and movement analysis, and palpation to determine muscular and joint involvement. Following the evaluation, these findings will be discussed with you and a Physical Therapy plan of care will be developed by you and your therapist. Treatment is rendered on the first visit as appropriate.

• What does an occupational therapist do?

  Occupational Therapists have specialized training to treat conditions of the hand, wrist and elbow. They provide customized treatment programs that improve one’s ability to perform daily activities. Performance skills assessments and treatment are carried out with adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training. Occupational Therapists treat injuries such as tendon injuries, fractures, trigger finger, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel and overuse injuries. Our Occupational Therapists also perform custom splinting.

• What does a physical therapist do?

  Physical Therapists are experts trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. They are trained specifically to improve movement and function, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Physical Therapy is often the treatment of choice in situations where pain impairs function, in recovering from an injury or surgery, and in recovering from a disease process or illness. Physical Therapists also teach adaptive and physical coping skills in dealing with impaired function from a disease, injury or illness.

• Do I need a referral to come to physical therapy?

  Direct Access allows you to receive treatment for your musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and or pains from a highly trained physical therapist, in timely fashion, without seeing your physician first. This results in lower costs for patients and their insurance companies, as well as timely satisfaction for patients seeking physical therapy treatment.

  Most private insurances cover physical therapy through Direct Access. Individuals with Workers’ Compensation or No-Fault coverage will require a prescription for coverage. Individuals with Medicare can be evaluated without a prescription, and our staff will work with you to obtain a prescription for treatment. Here at ACCESS PT & Wellness, we have an “Open Door Policy” whether you walk in our door for an ache or pain, or simply to ask a question – we are here for YOU!

• How is progress maintained?

  During each of your visits, the prescribed therapeutic exercises and other therapeutic techniques will be documented in detail, as well as your response to the treatment. Your therapist will also perform a re-evaluation about every 4 weeks or before you see your physician to keep them updated on your progress.

• Is privacy maintained?

  Yes, all of your information is private and only discussed with you and your therapist.

• Do I need to perform my exercises at home?

  Once you are seen for an evaluation your therapist will give you a list of exercises for you to follow up with at home. These exercises will be periodically updated and will facilitate your rehabilitation.

• How often should I attend?

  We have found that patients receive optimal benefits while coming three times per week for most diagnoses. There may, however, be times where more or less frequent visits will be most effective. During your initial evaluation, your therapist will be able to tell you the optimal frequency to come, in accordance with your diagnosis and physician’s plan of care.

• How long is each session?

  Generally sessions are an average of 45 minutes long.