Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens during my first visit?
What do I need to bring with me?
How should I dress for my physical therapy appointments?
How long will each treatment last?
How long will I need to come?
Can I go directly to my physical therapist?
How does the billing process work?
First Visit
During your first visit, your physical therapist will review your medical history, discuss your current problems/complaints, and identify your goals for therapy. This will be followed by a comprehensive evaluation of your condition which may include the following:
- Range of Motion
- Strength testing
- Neurological screening
- Palpation
- Special test
- Postural assessment
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What to Bring
Please bring your physical therapy referral (provided by your doctor, podiatrist or chiropractor), your insurance card, and your medical history forms.
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Apparel/Dress
It's important to be comfortable and able to move. You should wear loose-fitting clothing so the physical therapist can see the area to be evaluated. For example, if you have a shoulder problem, wear or bring a tank top; if you have a knee problem, wear or bring shorts.
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Visit Lengths
Your first visit will typically last one hour. Follow-up visits typically last 45 - 60 minutes, depending on the treatments provided.
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Length of Treatment
The length and frequency of your treatment program will depend on the severity of your condition, your diagnosis, and your medical history. After your evaluation, you and your physical therapist will determine your goals for therapy and develop the treatment plan (which will include the frequency of treatments needed and the expected duration of treatment) to reach your goals. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis, and we will forward progress notes to your doctor.
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Can I Come Directly to You?
In Rhode Island, you may go directly to a physical therapist. However, your insurance may require a referral in order to pay for coverage, so if you are relying on insurance coverage for payment, we urge you to contact your insurance provider first. Most of the time, insurance companies will cover the initial visit.
If you visit our facility directly, you must follow these guidelines:
- The physical therapist must disclose to the patient in writing the scope and limitations of the practice of physical therapy.
- The physical therapist must have at least 1 year of clinical experience.
- If you do not show improvement in 90 days, then you must be referred to a doctor, podiatrist, or chiropractor for any further treatment (unless the treatment has concluded).
Billing Process
We will bill your insurance provider directly; most insurance is billed electronically. If you have a co-payment or deductible, it is due at the time of service. We accept MasterCard, Visa, personal check or cash. If you have any questions, please call the billing department at 401.785.1020, and our administrative professionals will be glad to help.
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