AllCare Physical Therapy & Fitness
727-384-4111 (phone) 727-343-4803 (fax) 6701 38th Ave N, Suite B St. Petersburg, FL 33710 admin@allcaretherapy.com |
Common QuestionsHow Can Physical Therapy Help Me? Physical therapists are highly educated evidence-based health care professionals who can improve motion and relieve pain. Those who benefit most from Physical Therapy are individuals who are in need of restoring injured body parts, increasing flexibility, or building strength. We also help improve posture, which if left uncorrected can cause damaging musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, we help patients who have undergone surgeries and who are in need of therapy to regain optimal physical functionality. What should I bring with me to my first appointment? Please bring your insurance card, photo ID, physician's prescription for phyical therapy and a list of your medications. Make sure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you can provide us the necessary paperwork and insurance information to put you in our system. To save time, you can also print the AllCare Patient Forms located on our forms page, and bring them completed to your appointment. What should I wear? We highly recommend you bring comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing to our physical rehab clinic because oftentimes we will be stretching or exercising you. Your clothes should also allow us to access your area of injury (e.g. shorts for knee patients, loose short sleeve or sleeveless tops for shoulder patients). As for footwear, we suggest comfortable, closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers. If you have any questions, please contact us prior to your first appointment. How long does each visit take? The initial evaluation takes a little longer than the subsequent visits due to the necessary paperwork and nature of the assessment process. Normally, appointments will run between 45 and 75 minutes. How long will I need physical therapy? Many factors determine the duration and frequency of treatment including but not limited to: your diagnosis, pre-existing conditions, lifestyle, and compliance with your indiviually designed home exercise program. We work closely with patients and referring physicians to return the patient to his or her desired level of function as quickly and safely as possible. Will you keep in contact with my doctor? Yes, after your initial evaluation a copy of the Evaluation/Plan of Care is sent to your doctor. During your course of treatment progress notes are completed at regular intervals. In addition, we ask that you inform us prior of any scheduled appointments with your referring physician so we may provide the most up to date details of your progress. Will I see a physical therapist every time? Yes, we strive to provide our patients a quality experience during their time with us. Our clinical staff is made up of only of physical therapists so you can be assured you will recieve the highest level of care during each visit. Will my insurance pay for therapy? Generally, most insurance companies pay for physical therapy but may require a co-payment. We recommend that you call the benefit number listed on your insurance card to check on your insurance benefits before you start therapy. Alternatively, you can call, give us your details and we would be pleased to inquire about your benefits. Do I need a physician's referral for physical therapy? Most insurance companies will require that you get a physician's referral or auhorization before they will approve payment. However, it is important to know that if you are under the care of a physician and require physical therapy, you have the freedom to choose any physical therapy provider that meets your needs. After I am discharged how do I prevent returning with the same injury? There are several things you can do to maintain the positive outcomes you experienced with physical therapy. First, it is important that you continue with your home exercise program, your therapist will discuss a plan to help you maintain compliance. Second, continue to be conscious of your posture and body mechanics, this will help you feel better and prevent any relapse of your condition. Alternatively, many or our patients have experienced such great benefits that they have elected to join our post-treatment maintenance program. "Don't Stop Now" is an optional fee-based program available after physical therapy is complete which allows our patients to take advantage of the supervised gym facilities, fitness and wellness programs we offer. |