Q: Do I need a referral from a physician before I can schedule an appointment for physical therapy?
A: No. The state of Idaho allows for Direct Access to physical therapy treatment without having a referral from a physician. However, some insurance plans do require a “prescription or written orders” from a physician to be on file at the time of your first appointment for reimbursement. Please provide us with your insurance information, and we will check these benefits and requirements for you beforehand.
Q: Which insurance do you accept?
A: We are a provider for the following insurance networks:
- Blue Cross of Idaho
- Blue Cross Care Point
- Blue Cross Micron
- Brightpath
- Regence Blue Shield of Idaho
- Regence Commercial
- Mountain Health CO-OP LINK and Engage
- Pacific Source Administrators & Health Plans
- Pacific Source Commercial
- Select Health Commercial
- IPN (includes Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, AmeriBen Solutions, Auxiant, Benefit Administrative System, Best Life and Health Insurance Company, Century Health Alliance, Cigna Healthcare, Coastal Administrative Services, CorVel Healthcare, Direct Care Administrators, EBMS, Health Plans, Inc, HealthComp Administrators, HealthEZ, Lucent Health, MS Administrative Services, Managed Care Administrators, Medova Healthcare, Meritain Health, Moda Health, Preferred One, UCHealth Plan Administrators, WMI Mutual Insurance Company)
Q: Do you accept Medicare?
A: We are not currently a Medicare provider.
Q: How does my insurance plan deductible affect my benefits for physical therapy?
A: Every insurance plan is different. Insurance deductibles usually begin anew with each new calendar year or plan anniversary date. Your deductible will often need to be satisfied before physical therapy benefits will be paid by your insurance. We will verify your insurance benefits before physical therapy treatment begins so that you know what to expect.
Q: How many physical therapy visits does my insurance allow?
A: Again, each insurance plan is different, and we will verify your benefits so that you know how many visits are allowed.
Q: How early should I arrive before my first appointment and what should I bring with me?
A: It is best to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early so that you can complete any outstanding paperwork. Please bring a copy of your physician’s written order (if you have one), your insurance card, and photo ID (such as a driver's license). Other items that may be helpful to bring include operative reports, MRI or x-ray results, or any type of brace or splint that you may be using.
Q: What should I wear to my physical therapy appointment?
A: It is best to wear clothes that are comfortable and allow for easy movement or exercise. Women should consider wearing a sports bra. It is best to avoid wearing jeans, belts, underwire bras (if possible), dresses, skirts, or kilts. Supportive footwear is a must.
Q: How long will my appointment last?
A: Your initial appointment will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes and will include evaluation and treatment (time permitting). Subsequent appointments will last about 60 minutes.
Q: What can I expect from my physical therapy treatment?
A: Each physical therapy session typically involves a methodology of test-treat-retest in order to assess the effectiveness of any manual or movement intervention. Special emphasis is placed on discovering the underlying cause of dysfunction or pain. Treatment will also include patient education and (most often) a home program of activities and strategies to restore the body to its optimal state of function.
Q: How often will I need treatment?
A: In most cases, treatment is once a week. As you progress, frequency of treatment may be reduced to once every two to four weeks. You will have a better idea of what is best for you after your initial evaluation.
Q: How much treatment will I need before I start to feel normal again?
A: Of course, each situation is unique and depends on the nature and severity of your condition. Some conditions are resolved in as little as one session whereas others may require four or more treatments. If multiple issues need to be addressed—or if issues are complex and chronic—a few months may be required for treatment to be complete. However, if there is absolutely no change in your condition after four treatments, then you may be referred to another clinician for treatment or follow-up diagnostics if necessary.