FAQ:
Q: Why choose Ascend PT?
A: Because of our expertise. We are widely regarded as a leading expert in physical therapy. Physicians regularly send their own office staff and family members to our facility. We are dedicated to resolving your problems in an environment that is welcoming and relaxed. We are a small private practice offering highly specialized and skilled practitioners. We provide one-on-one physical therapy treatments. Unlike most other practices, you will see the same therapist each visit. You will receive personalized care in private treatment rooms. Feel free to give us a call and stop in to speak to one of our therapists.
Q: How do I arrange an appointment?
A: If your physician gives you a referral to physical therapy, simply call our office for an appointment. Our office staff will get all the necessary information from you and will be happy to make your initial appointment.
Q: Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?
A: Yes, in the state of Michigan a referral from a physician is required to bill health insurance in most cases.
Q: What should I expect on my first visit?
A: On your first visit, your physical therapist will perform an examination/evaluation to determine what deficits and/or problems you have that can be addressed by physical therapy. The examination/evaluation involves a thorough history, a systems review, and tests and measurements. Your physical therapist will make a clinical judgment then a treatment program will be developed. This program will have realistic goals set by you and your therapist. You should allow at least one hour for your visit.
Q: How long will my visit last?
A: Treatment time will vary according to what the physical therapist finds in the evaluation. Each treatment will last about 45-60 minutes. Whatever is found to be appropriate during the examination/evaluation will become part of the patient's program and the program will be updated as appropriate i.e., if there is an exacerbation in symptoms the treatment may be longer.
Q: Will my insurance cover physical therapy?
A: Although most insurance companies do cover physical therapy, what they cover specifically varies greatly. Please review our billing and insurance section on this website. Please note, even if we do not participate with your insurance company, we will bill almost all insurance companies directly and not the patient. The patient may be responsible for "co-pay" or a certain percentage of the bill at the time of service. However, please note that you are personally responsible for payment including any co-payment. If you have any financial concerns, please let us know.
Q: What should I wear?
A: In general, wear comfortable clothing to physical therapy. Gowns are available for neck, back and shoulder problems. If you are coming for a lower-extremity problem, please bring a pair of loose shorts and sneakers.
Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to your first visit in order to complete the necessary paperwork. You will also need your insurance card and driver's license. You can download our patient information form and past medical history form from our website. 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, orthotics or crutches, those should come with you.
Q: What office policies should I be aware of?
A: We ask that our patients give 24-hours notice when possible for cancellations. The answering machine is on 24 hours a day. Call if you have a question or concern or if you will be late. We will do our best to fit you in, but we need to know in advance for consideration of other patients. Please be on time. Patients are normally taken within 5 minutes of their scheduled time. Notify your therapist at least one week prior to returning to your physician. The therapist must have the time to schedule a re-evaluation in order to update your physician on your progress. Schedule appointments in advance and have the proper number of visits scheduled. If you don't schedule your appointments in advance it will be more difficult to give you the times you desire. Lunchtime and evening time slots are quickly filled.
Q: What types of interventions may I receive?
A: The interventions you receive will depend on what the physical therapist finds in the examination/evaluation. Our intervention programs include coordination among all people involved in your care (other health care professionals, family, caregivers, and others). Most physical therapy plans of care will include three categories of interventions: therapeutic exercise, functional training, home management and functional training in work, school and leisure environments. While being treated you may experience several procedures such as: manual therapy, mechanical modalities, myofascial release, exercise, etc.
Q: How is my progress measured?
A: Because your physical therapist will perform a detailed examination/evaluation, quantifying your progress can be measured. You will be reexamined based on your diagnosis as well as the chronicity of the problem. We will send an initial evaluation and monthly progress reports to your referring physician. Additionally, the physical therapist always needs to be aware of follow-up visits with your physician as a reexamination may be performed so that the physician can be updated at that time.
Q: Will I need follow-up or maintenance care?
A: The answer depends entirely on the physical therapist's evaluation/examination to determine your diagnosis and prognosis.
Q: What if I need to return to physical therapy?
A: If you have a recurrent problem after you discharge from physical therapy, if is recommended that you return for more treatment. Remember, if you require more physical therapy, an updated prescription from the referring physician is required.
Q: Is it OK to ask my doctor about physical therapy?
A: Absolutely. If you have a problem you think can be helped with physical therapy, feel free to give us a call. After discussing with you the specific problem you are suffering from, we can give you a better idea if it is something that is manageable with physical therapy. You can also give your doctor a call. If he or she is not sure, he or she is welcome to contact us as well.
Q: What if I have an increase in symptoms?
A: If you have increased symptoms, please call your physical 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 physical therapist. We will be able to review the information and give you a call back as soon as possible.
Q: Who chooses which physical therapist I go to?
A: Oftentimes your physician will give you a recommendation or a listing of physical 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 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 with your insurance company most plans have out-of-network benefits that will allow you the freedom of choice. Remember we are willing to bill most insurance companies directly (assignment of payment.)
Q: Why should I choose physical therapy?
A: In physical 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, physical therapy produces a long-term result. The physician may opt to utilize medication in conjunction with physical therapy depending on your diagnosis. Unlike other forms of treatment, physical therapy is not designed to continue as a maintenance program. Physical therapy is meant to be restorative and not maintenance.
Q: What is my responsibility in physical therapy?
A: You are our partner in your recovery. Your physical therapist cannot do it without you; we ask that all patients cooperate by following through with their home exercise programs and instructions. This is extremely important in expediting your recovery.