Frequently Asked Questions
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Physical Therapy is a health care profession that involves evaluating/examining, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The goal of Physical Therapy is to focus on movement in order to restore function, abolish pain, and improve an individual’s quality of life. Physical Therapists utilize treatment agents such as therapeutic exercise, mobilization/manipulation of the spine, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold agents to help achieve these goals.
The state of New York has “Direct Access” to Physical Therapy, which means that you are not legally required to have a Physician’s referral before seeing a Physical Therapist for an evaluation or treatment. However, some insurances may require you to have a referral or “authorization” before they will approve payment. You should contact your insurance company beforehand to determine the process that they require. It’s important to remember that if you are under the care of a Physician and require Physical Therapy, you have the freedom to choose which physical therapy clinic to receive your treatment from.
We accept most major insurance coverages. Here is a partial list: Tricare, Medicare, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Aetna, Workers Compensation, and more! At the time of scheduling your first appointment we request that you provide us your insurance information so that we may verify your benefits and coverage.
We accept payment via cash, check, Flex Spending cards, debit and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, & Discover). Payment is expected at the time of treatment (normally during check-in). If you have insurance coverage there may be a deductible or co-pay required. Before your first visit we will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits for Physical Therapy. Some insurance providers have restrictions on specific treatments. As a courtesy, Lattimore Physical Therapy files your primary insurance as well as any secondary coverage. You will be billed for any cost share (if applicable) after your insurance has paid their portion.
During your initial visit, your Physical Therapist will provide you with a thorough 45 minute to one hour exam in a private exam room. Please be prepared to discuss your needs and any pain, lack of mobility or function that you currently have. This evaluation will involve certain range of motion, postural, and strength tests to help your Physical Therapist develop a plan unique to you and your condition. Also, treatment for your injury will begin on that day.
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.
Please bring any interpretation reports from your X-Ray or MRI that was read by a Physician. Because X-Rays and MRI’s do not reveal everything your Physical Therapist needs to know in order to properly treat you, he or she will focus on taking your medical history, and performing physical tests and measures which identify potential and existing problems.
This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.
Our policy is children are allowed with our patients, but anyone under the age of 14 is not allowed in the gym area for safety reasons.