Welcome to our Patient FAQ section. The purpose of this section is to answer some
of the questions you may have and to give you an idea of the questions other patients
have asked. However, if you have a question not addressed on this website that you
want answered before you arrive for your first visit, please call us at 918-342-3800.
Is it ok to ask my doctor about therapy?
Absolutely. If you have a problem that you think can be helped with therapy, feel
free to give us a call. After discussing with you the specific problem you present
with, we can give you a better idea if it is something that is manageable with therapy.
In today's healthcare, if you feel therapy can be helpful to you, you
will need to stress your feelings to the doctor you are seeing.
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, your therapist will perform an evaluation to determine what
deficits and/or problems you have that can be addressed in therapy. The evaluation
involves:
- a complete history
- a physical examination using tests and measures
- reviewing the results and findings
- patient's goals and expectations voiced
- discussing a treatment plan aimed at resolving the problems identified and attaining
the goals set by the patient and therapist.
- beginning a treatment plan
What types of treatments may I receive?
The interventions you receive will depend on what the therapist finds in the initial
evaluation. Most therapy plans of care will include three categories of interventions:
therapeutic exercise, functional training in self-care and home management, and
functional training in work or school, community, and leisure environments. Other
interventions might include manual therapy techniques; use of equipment such as
supports, wound care and electrotherapeutic modalities such as heat or cold packs
and electric stimulation as well as ultrasound.
How long will my visit last?
The initial visit will last approximately one hour. Treatment time will vary
according to what the therapist finds in the evaluation. There is no specific time
limit for therapy. Whatever is found to be appropriate during the evaluation will
become part of the patient's program and the program will be updated as appropriate.
How is my progress measured?
Because your therapist will perform a meticulous evaluation, quantifying and qualifying
all the deficits and problems you are presenting with - an evaluation to determine
progress is possible. They can reevaluate all the positive physical findings such
as pain, swelling or range-of-motion to determine how progress is being made. Treatments
can be modified based on the physical findings.
Additionally, the therapist needs to be aware of follow-up visits with your physician
so a reexamination may be performed. This will give your physician updated
information on your recovery progress.
Will I need follow-up or maintenance care?
The answer depends entirely on the therapist's assessment to recommend follow-up
needs at that time.
What if I need to return to therapy?
If you have a recurrent problem after your discharge from therapy, how/if you will
return to therapy will depend on a number of factors. It would depend if it was
a re-injury of the same specific problem, how long it has been since you were last
in therapy, how long it's been since you saw the physician (if a physician referred
you), and many other factors. The most important thing to remember . . .you must
have a physicians referral in order to receive rehab services.
Will my insurance cover therapy?
Although most insurance companies do cover therapy, what they cover specifically
varies greatly. You can call your insurance company to see what exactly is covered.
Please review our billing and insurance participation section on this website, and
if you have additional questions regarding your specific insurance give us a call.
How do I arrange an appointment?
If your physician gives you a referral to therapy, simply call our office for an
appointment (342-3800). Our clinic hours and location are explained on the location
and hours page of this website. Our office staff will get all the necessary information
from you and assist you with an appointment.
What should I wear?
In general, wear comfortable clothing to therapy. If you are presenting with a problem
of your cervical spine, upper back or shoulders, the therapist can provide you with
a gown as needed to expose these areas. If you are coming for a lower-extremity
problem, shorts are important. You can bring clothing with you, if you need, and
change here.
What should I bring with me?
For your first visit you will need to bring your insurance card, your doctor's order,
and any paperwork previously given to you. If you have any operative reports,
MRI or X-ray results, you may bring those as well, but they are not necessary. Additionally,
if you are utilizing any type of brace, splint, or crutches, those should come with
you.
What if I have an increase in symptoms?
If you have increased symptoms please call your therapist. When you call the office,
please be sure you explain to the office staff that you are having an increase in
symptoms. The office staff will pull your chart and contact your therapist. After
we discuss the case with you, we will be able to give you guidelines as to what
would be appropriate to reduce your symptoms, whether you need to come to our office,
or if you should contact or follow up with your physician. It is best to call us
prior to calling your physician if a change in symptoms has occurred, it is important
that we fax the physician a report so that he can be up to date on your care when
you see him for a follow-up visit.
Who chooses which therapy clinic I go to?
Oftentimes, your physician will give you a recommendation or a listing of therapists
in your area. Sometimes your insurance company will guide you with regard to who
is "in network" for your insurance plan. Ultimately, however, the decision as to
where you receive your care is up to you. If you have a specific request,
you need to let your physician or insurance company know. If we are not in network
for your insurance company - most plans have out-of-network benefits that will allow
you your choice in therapy.
Why should I choose therapy?
In therapy, the goals should be to resolve your problem, not just temporarily relieve
it. Although medication and other forms of treatment can be helpful in relieving
symptoms, therapy produces a long term result. The physician may opt to utilize
medication in conjunction with therapy depending on your diagnosis. Additionally,
therapy unlike some other forms of treatment, is not designed to go on as a maintenance
program. Because we look to resolution, maintenance is not generally necessary.
What office policies should I be aware of?
If your insurance plan requires a co-pay for therapy it is due at each visit.
Before returning to your physician, please notify us so we can send a progress report
to your physician before your office visit.
We ask that our patients please call us if:
- you have to reschedule an appointment
- you will be late
- you need to miss an appointment and add it on to the end of your treatment period.
What is my responsibility in therapy?
We are your partner in your recovery. Your therapist cannot do it without you! We
ask that all patients and clients cooperate by following through with their home
exercise programs and instructions, as this is extremely important in expediting
your recovery.
Why choose Summit Physical Therapy and Rehab?
- Locally owned and operated.
- Our expertise keeps us on the leading edge.
- Physicians send their own office staff and family members to our facility.
- We offer an environment that is welcoming and relaxed.
- Patients receive personalized treatment for positive results!
- We make it a priority to be involved in the community.