FAQ'S
How should I dress for my physical therapy sessionsfaqs
What else should I bring to my first visit?
When should I arrive and how long will my first therapy session take?
What can I expect during my first visit?
Will I work with the same clinic staff member each time?
What is the education level of the clinic staff members?
What can I expect during treatment?
Should I schedule treatment two days in a row?
What can I expect when my treatement sessions are completed?
How many visits will I need?
When should I return to the doctor?
Do I need a referral (prescription) to be seen by a physical therapist?
Billing/Insurance FAQ’s:
Will I need to pay at the time of service?
Does Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy participate with my PPO plan?
Does Buffalo Grove Phyiscal Therapy accept my HMO plan?
What if I do not have any insurance coverage for physical therapy?
How much does physical therapy cost?
Who do I contact regarding questions about my bill?
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How should I dress for my physical therapy treatment sessions?
You should bring comfortable clothing (eg: shorts, loose fitting T-shirt, and tennis shoes)
to your appointment. If you need to change from street/work clothes, there are dressing areas available.
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What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring your insurance card, and your doctor's referral for physical therapy. You CANNOT be seen without a written referral from your doctor.
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When should I arrive and how long will my first therapy appointment take?
Plan on arriving 15 minutes before your first appointment so that you can complete all
required forms. Your initial visit will take approximately one hour , depending on your
diagnosis and the depth of your individual needs.
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What can I expect during my first visit?
After providing any necessary information to the reception staff, you will be asked to
change into comfortable clothing in order to facilitate your evaluation. A Physical Therapist with extensive training in musculoskeletal and neurological disorders will talk to you about your history and perform a physical examination. Upon completion of your evaluation, the therapist will design a treatment program specific to your rehabilitation needs. You may actually begin treatment on the same day as your initial visit and evaluation.
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Will I work with the therapist each time?
Not necessarily. Our approach at Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy is to team-treat. You will work with a therapist as well as other members of the rehabilitation team, including aids, assistants, etc.. That way, you will receive the benefits of the knowledge and expertise of our entire staff.
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What is the education level of Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy staff members. What role does each member play in my treatment?
Our Physical Therapists have either a Master’s or Doctorate Degree, and are state licensed. In addition, some our therapists hold national and/or world-wide accredited specialty certifications in orthopedics, as well as sports/strength & conditioning. All of our therapists have extensive training and experience specifically in the area of orthopedics. The therapist is in charge of all aspects of your care. They will evaluate you on your first visit and outline a treatment program tailored to meet your goals/needs. They will also monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment regimen as needed. They will communicate with your doctor regarding your therapy progress.
The Physical Therapy Assistant has an Associates Degree and is state licensed. Assistants oversee the treatment program outlined by the therapist and continually evaluate your progress, determining any need for changes and/or adjustments in the course of your treatment program, under the guidance of the therapist.
The Physical Therapy Aide is generally either in and/or out of school, who wantes to learn more about physical therapy with a potential in pursuing physical therapy as a career. They observe/”shadow” the therapsist/therapist assistant treating patients, while also tending to other generalized tasks within the clinic.
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What can I expect during treatment?
Your treatment will vary based upon your condition, injury, type of surgery, and individual goals. For example, the therapist might perform joint mobilization and incorporate various stretching exercises as well soft tissue massage to help improve range of motion. You may also be instructed in progressive resistance training to help address strength deficiencies. The Elliptical Cross Trainer, stationary bike, treadmill, and/or stairmaster may be implemented for cardiovascular conditioning. Or you may receive electrical muscle stimulation, ice, and/or moist hot packs (all commonly referred to as modalities) to help manage and relieve pain.
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Should I schedule treatment two days in a row?
In some cases, depending upon the severity of the condition, two days in a row may be appropriate in which palliative treatments may be used such as electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound to help reduce pain and improve tissue circulation. This will allow the patient to more effectively tolerate corrective therapy (ie:stretching and strengthening), which is appropriate every other day to allow the body needed rest between sessions. The therapist will advise you on the frequency of visits best for you.
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What can I expect when my treatment at Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy is completed?
When you finish treatment at Buffalo Physical Therapy, we will provide you with a comprehensive exercise program, so that you can continue exercising on your own, be it at home or at the health club.
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How many visits will I need?
The number of visits you will need varies based upon your condition, injury, type of surgery, and your response to treatment. However, the average non-surgical patient requires approximately 9 visits, while the average surgical patient requires 12-18 visits.
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When should I return to the doctor?
You may have already scheduled your next appointment with the doctor before you attend your first physical therapy session. If not, your therapist will determine when you should return to the doctor, based upon your progress, or if any unexpected changes occur during the course of your therapy.
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Do I need a referral (prescription) to be seen by a physical therapist?
You do need a written referral by your doctor to be seen by a physical therapist. This is to ensure clear communication with your physician regarding any underlying medical conditions you may have, and also to facilitate payment by your insurance carrier.
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Will I need to pay at the time of service?
Co-insurance and co-payments are due at the time services are rendered. Deductibles will be collected from the patient upon receipt of the EOB (Explanation Of Benefits) from your insurance company. Processing time for claims typically ranges from 3-8 weeks depending on your insurance company.
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Does Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy participate with my PPO plan?
There are many different types of insurance plans today. Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy participates in a wide range of PPO plans. However, individual group health benefits vary from one insurance carrier to another. In order to determine our Preferred Provider status, covered benefits as well as possible limitations on your policy, we strongly suggest that your insurance carrier be contacted for a quote of specific benefits related to the outpatient physical therapy services you will be receiving at Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy.
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Does Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy accept my HMO plan?
Buffalo Grove Physical Therapy is not currently participating with any Health Maintenance Organizations. We suggest that you contact your primary physician for instructions as to where you can obtain physical therapy services.
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What if I do not have any insurance coverage for physical therapy?
Without verifiable insurance benefits, payment will be required at the time of service.
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How much does physical therapy cost?
Physical therapy charges can vary from visit to visit depending on the specific treatments you are receiving, as per your presenting condition, therapist discretion as to what treatments are most effective and appropriate, and recommendations from the referring physician.
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Who do I contact with questions about my bill?
Our office manager available Monday through Friday to answer questions and/or discuss concerns you have regarding bills, payments, and insurance issues.
