FAQ

• What happens during my first visit?

You may expect the following:

• Arrive for your appointment 5 minutes early with your forms completed. The digital intake form will be sent to you via email prior to your first appointment. 
• Bring along the order from your physician and any corresponding reports (i.e. MRI, XRAY, protocols)
• Bring along your insurance cards and photo ID
• During your evaluation with our licensed therapists, you will discuss:
  • Your medical history
  • Current problems/complaints
  • Pain intensity
  • Activities that aggravate or ease the problem
  • The effect these problems have on your ability to perform daily activities
  • What you hope to accomplish in physical therapy
• During the evaluation your therapist may include the following test as part of their assessment:
  • Palpation
  • Range of Motion (ROM)
  • Muscle Testing
  • Neurological Screening
  • Special Tests
• After the evaluation, your therapist will make their recommendations for how often you should attend (usually 1-2 times per week) and how many weeks/months they determine you may need to reach your goals. 

Do I need an order/prescription/referral from a physician to see a physical therapist?

Yes, for those covered by Medicare part B it is required that your physician signs off on all physical therapy treatment.  This includes their referral to physical therapy and a signature on your physical therapist’s written Plan of Care.

Yes, for those covered by a workman’s compensation claim.

For all others, Maryland is a direct access state, meaning you may have a physical therapy evaluation without a referral or order from a Medical doctor. However, your health insurance plan may require a physician’s order and/or a physician’s signature on the therapist’s written Plan of Care.  

Contact your plan representative for details.

How should I dress?

You should wear clothing that will be comfortable for moving around and stretching. For low back issues, a loose shirt and pants are appropriate. For a knee issue, pants that roll up easily or shorts are best. For shoulders and necks, a tank top is recommended.

Is there a place to change clothes?

Yes, we have a changing room with a bench, mirror and a place to hang your change of clothes.

How long will my appointments last?

Most appointments run for approximately 60 minutes.

Is Physical Therapy painful?

Communication is key.  Your physical therapist will use tested, well-researched treatments to facilitate healing and recovery.  For patients recovering from a knee or shoulder surgery working to regain range of motion may be painful. Your therapist will use techniques to maximize treatment goals paired with pain management modalities. It is important to communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of your pain to your treating therapist so they can best administer these treatments.

What happens if my pain or problem returns?

If you have a flare-up, just let us know.  For some diagnoses, flare-ups are not uncommon. We may suggest that you schedule to come and see us, return to your physician or your therapist may suggest a modification to your daily activities or home exercise program.

Why should I choose physical therapy as my first intervention?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free way to alleviate pain and regain function and can be the most cost-effective form of treatment. Click here for more information https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Benefits/Default.aspx

How does the billing process work?

• Your physical therapist will bill your insurance company based on the services provided using the designated Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.
• Those codes are submitted to the insurance company electronically or by mail.
• The claim is then reviewed and processed for payment by the insurer. Payment is based on our contracted fee schedule or “the usual and customary” for out-of-network plans.
• An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) is forwarded with payment from the insurer. The EOB outlines the amount covered by the insurer, the amount they have adjusted off, and finally the patient’s responsibility. 
• For patients with set copays, your payment is expected on the day of service. 
• For patients with a deductible or co-insurance, your payment is expected upon receipt of the billing statement.  Billing statements for deductibles and co-insurances are not sent out until the EOB is received from the insurer.

It is important to understand that there are many small steps (beyond those outlined above) within the billing process. Exceptions are common.  All though we take the necessary steps to ensure that your claim is processed correctly the first time, at any time along the way, information may be missing, miscommunicated, or misunderstood.  These can cause a delay in processing and payment.  While it is common for claims to be processed within 30-60 days, it is not uncommon for the process to take as long as 6 months.