Frequently Asked Questions

So, what is telehealth?

Telehealth, or telerehabilitation, is the delivery of rehabilitation services over telecommunication networks and the Internet.

How does telehealth physical therapy with Vitality work?

Patients will receive PT sessions through HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing. Your session will be similar to an in-clinic visit aside from the hands-on component. Your therapist will be able to resume and progress your treatment incorporating education and exercise within your telehealth session using real-time technology. Most importantly, we will have the same opportunity to discuss your symptoms and plan of care as you would in the clinic, progress your home exercise program, teach you strategies for self-management, show you new exercises, help you troubleshoot any new symptoms or changes you are experiencing, and even assess if you are doing exercises properly, just as we would during an in-person PT appointment!

How long do telehealth sessions last?

You can schedule hour-long appointments similar to in-person PT sessions but you and your therapist might determine shorter sessions at 30 or 45 minutes might be more appropriate for your needs using this platform. We are even able to do shorter appointments, particularly if finances are a concern.

Does my insurance cover telehealth physical therapy at Vitality?

On March 19, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an Executive Order expanding telehealth services across the state as part of the continued effort to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis. Patients with BCBS PPO will have in-network telehealth benefits for the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. If you are an out-of-network patient at Vitality, telehealth will be a self-pay option in the same fashion as before the crisis.

Is Vitality accepting new patients?

Yes, Vitality is welcoming new patients for evaluations via telehealth and in-clinic at this time. We specialize in women’s and pelvic health, however, we can treat women, men and children for all orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary conditions requiring physical therapy services.

What if I’m still not sure if telehealth PT is for me?

Try a session! Or you can call or email your PT and discuss your concerns directly prior to scheduling an appointment to see if telehealth is right for you.

When will Vitality return to providing in-person sessions?

Vitality's temporary closure to in-person PT services continued accordance with the shelter in place order in Illinois. Beginning June 1st we will resume in-clinic physical therapy while continuing to offer telehealth sessions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

How should I prepare for my telehealth visit?

1. Make sure you’re in a private space with some room to move around--ideally where your therapist could see you performing exercises such as in a bedroom on a bed or in a room with a yoga mat.
2. Make sure all browsers are up to date and you have a strong internet connection. Try to minimize usage of your internet connection for other streaming platforms (i.e. Netflix, xBox) at the time of your session, as this may slow your connection.
3. Wear clothes you can move around in and that your therapist can see you in--ideally form fitting clothing that you can also move in like yoga pants and a fitted top.
4. If using a phone, make sure to have something to prop it up against.

What devices will work?

You can utilize your computer via a web browser or download the Google Hangouts Meet app to complete your telehealth sessions. You can also access Hangouts similarly on smartphones. Ensure you have updated your software to the latest version.

So, what is telehealth?

Telehealth, or telerehabilitation, is the delivery of rehabilitation services over telecommunication networks and the Internet.

How does telehealth physical therapy with Vitality work?

Patients will receive PT sessions through HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing. Your session will be similar to an in-clinic visit aside from the hands-on component. Your therapist will be able to resume and progress your treatment incorporating education and exercise within your telehealth session using real-time technology. Most importantly, we will have the same opportunity to discuss your symptoms and plan of care as you would in the clinic, progress your home exercise program, teach you strategies for self-management, show you new exercises, help you troubleshoot any new symptoms or changes you are experiencing, and even assess if you are doing exercises properly, just as we would during an in-person PT appointment!

How long do telehealth sessions last?

You can schedule hour-long appointments similar to in-person PT sessions but you and your therapist might determine shorter sessions at 30 or 45 minutes might be more appropriate for your needs using this platform. We are even able to do shorter appointments, particularly if finances are a concern.

Does my insurance cover telehealth physical therapy at Vitality?

On March 19, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an Executive Order expanding telehealth services across the state as part of the continued effort to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis. Patients with BCBS PPO will have in-network telehealth benefits for the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. If you are an out-of-network patient at Vitality, telehealth will be a self-pay option in the same fashion as before the crisis.

Is Vitality accepting new patients?

Yes, Vitality is welcoming new patients for evaluations via telehealth and in-clinic at this time. We specialize in women’s and pelvic health, however, we can treat women, men and children for all orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary conditions requiring physical therapy services.

What if I’m still not sure if telehealth PT is for me?

Try a session! Or you can call or email your PT and discuss your concerns directly prior to scheduling an appointment to see if telehealth is right for you.

When will Vitality return to providing in-person sessions?

Vitality's temporary closure to in-person PT services continued accordance with the shelter in place order in Illinois. Beginning June 1st we will resume in-clinic physical therapy while continuing to offer telehealth sessions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

How should I prepare for my telehealth visit?

1. Make sure you’re in a private space with some room to move around--ideally where your therapist could see you performing exercises such as in a bedroom on a bed or in a room with a yoga mat.
2. Make sure all browsers are up to date and you have a strong internet connection. Try to minimize usage of your internet connection for other streaming platforms (i.e. Netflix, xBox) at the time of your session, as this may slow your connection.
3. Wear clothes you can move around in and that your therapist can see you in--ideally form fitting clothing that you can also move in like yoga pants and a fitted top.
4. If using a phone, make sure to have something to prop it up against.

What devices will work?

You can utilize your computer via a web browser or download the Google Hangouts Meet app to complete your telehealth sessions. You can also access Hangouts similarly on smartphones. Ensure you have updated your software to the latest version.