Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not answered here, please call 410-918-0080 or email us at info@lemoinephysicaltherapy.com.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it. While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, your physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.
What types of conditions does physical therapy treat?
We sees and treats patient for a wide range of conditions and diagnoses. Please visit our Services for an extensive list of conditions and diagnoses we see patients for. We perform various types of treatments, and will customize a program combining the best techniques specific for your particular injury. The modalities and techniques we use include soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation, stretching, therapeutic exercises, and ice. The treatment program will be performed in a private treatment room as well as a gym setting using a variety of athletic and rehabilitation equipment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and a pair of rubber soled sneakers (preferably no jewelry). Every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation.
How do I know if physical therapy will help me?
Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today at 410-918-0080 to discuss your current condition and even set up a free consultation if you choose.
What do I need to bring?
Be prepared to provide your previous medical or surgical history. If you have them and if they are relevant bring scan/MRI reports, and list of medication. Bring your insurance information/card and/or auto accident and/or worker’s compensation claim information.
How often will I come?
Most prescriptions and treatment schedules are for 2-3 visits per week, but this will vary based on your condition and physical ability. Physical therapy sessions typically last an hour. Treatment plans usually are from 4-12 weeks with periodic re-evaluations and regular follow-up visits with your doctor.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.
How do I know if my insurance covers physical therapy services?
We will check with your health insurance provide to determine if outpatient physical therapy services are covered under your plan. We recommend that you confirm your insurance coverage.
How long will my therapy sessions last?
Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 45-60 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.
During your first visit you can expect the following:
- Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website - see the paperwork or forms link).
- You will provide us with your referral for physical therapy if you have one. If you don't have a referral, let us know when you schedule your first visit with us (note - a referral is not always needed).
- We will copy your insurance card.
- You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist. The therapist will discuss the following:
- Your medical history.
- Your current problems/complaints.
- Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
- How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
- Your goals with physical therapy.
- Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
- Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
- Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
- Muscle Testing - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
- Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
- Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
- Posture Assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how often you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, your support from family/friends and your doctor.
Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 45-60 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.
Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers' Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager's contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.
- Photo identification (valid driver’s license, state ID or valid passport).
- Form of payment due at the time of service.
- Prescription/doctor referral (if needed)
- Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card)
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out and bring them with you
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor's office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:
- The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Workers' Comp, or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.
- Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.
- The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule.
- 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.
- The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.
For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.
Ask us a Question
Feel free to ask any physical therapy related questions over the phone, or get send your question via this form below. Your message will be dispatched directly to our staff who will answer as soon as they can.