Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy

at Andersonville Physical Therapy

Do I need a referral from my doctor for physical therapy?

Illinois has direct access to physical therapy so most people do not need a referral for physical therapy. Some insurance companies continue to require a physician’s referral. We recommend that you call your insurance company to ask if your plan requires a physician’s referral for physical therapy treatment. Medicare does require a referral from an MD or Nurse Practitioner to receive physical therapy services.

What do I need to bring to my first visit?

Remember to bring the following to your appointment:

  • Physician’s referral/prescription if you have one
  • Insurance card, photo ID and credit card
  • Any test results pertinent to your injury/condition (generally a reading of the results is preferred, rather than any medical images)
  • A list of current medications and dosages
  • A list of other medical conditions, even if you don’t think they are related to your injury. This gives us a better understanding of how your body responds to stress–and how quickly we can expect it to heal.

What should I wear to physical therapy?

We ask that you wear loose, comfortable clothing appropriate for exercise. If we are examining your back, hips, or legs, please bring shorts. Supportive, lace-up shoes are a great choice if we are treating your lower body.

When should I arrive for my first appointment?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so we may review your insurance coverage with you and to finish completing all necessary paperwork. If you do not complete your initial intake paperwork before arriving for your appointment please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

What will happen during my evaluation?

Your evaluation will last 45 minutes. During this time, you and your physical therapist will review your medical history and any diagnostic tests that have been performed. We will also discuss how recent events or aspects of your lifestyle may have contributed to your current condition.

Your physical therapist will evaluate your injured area, the surrounding structures and, if necessary, the alignment of your entire body. Together, we will develop a rehabilitation plan aiming to return you to normal function.

How long will I be in physical therapy?

Based upon information discussed during your evaluation, your physical therapist will determine the number and frequency of physical therapy visits that will be best for your rehabilitation goals.

On average, patients attend physical therapy 1-2 days per week for 4-8 weeks. Typically, if your injury or issue began relatively recently, your condition will improve more quickly. Chronic conditions, on the other hand, may require more sessions before you see improvements.

Will you be in contact with my physician?

If you were referred to physical therapy by your doctor, the results from your evaluation will be forwarded to them and we will provide regular progress updates to them. If you have a follow-up appointment scheduled with your doctor, please let us know in advance so that we may prepare a report with the most up-to-date information on your condition.

What will I be expected to do in physical therapy?

Your full participation in your rehabilitation plan is crucial to your progress. Your physical therapist will likely provide you with home exercises, stretches, and notes on your posture. It is important that you follow your PT’s recommendations to achieve maximum benefit from your treatment.

Additionally, the more information you can give your physical therapist about which activities cause or improve your symptoms, the better we will be able to help you address these issues.

What happens at subsequent appointments?

After your initial evaluation appointment, you will have subsequent one-on-one visits with your physical therapist that usually last 45 minutes each. Treatments may include soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques, stretching and strengthening exercises, activity-specific movement retraining, and/or modalities such as kinesiotaping or ice.

Your physical therapist will also help you integrate correct alignment, posture, and movement habits into your home exercise program and daily life.

How much will physical therapy cost?

If you are utilizing insurance, your exact benefits are based upon the contract you have with your insurance company, chosen by you or your employer. Your health insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company, and it is your responsibility to understand the specifics of your plan.

Once you have scheduled your initial appointment and have provided insurance information, we will verify your health insurance benefits for physical therapy and estimate the cost of your care. We will review your coverage with you at your first appointment.

We perform this verification as a courtesy; the information we receive from your insurance plan is not a guarantee of benefits.

We strongly encourage you to call your insurance company’s member services telephone number to check your benefits for physical therapy performed in an office setting.

Andersonville Physical Therapy requests payment of anticipated patient responsibility at the time of service. We require a major credit card to be kept on file in a PCI and HIPAA compliant website to charge any fees determined to be the responsibility of the patient.

What is the cancellation policy for appointments?

Patient cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be subject to a $50 charge. If you know you cannot come in, please give us as much notice as possible so we can offer the time to another person.

What are your out-of-pocket rates?

If you are not utilizing insurance, our out-of-pocket rates are $105 for each 45-minute appointment, and due at the time of service.

Still have a question?

If you would like to reach us please call the office at (773) 907-3599, email the front office at contact@andersonvillept.com, or email your therapist directly. We look forward to to providing you the highest quality care!