Frequently Asked Questions
The Answers You Need
Physical Therapy
Is a physician’s referral required?
In the state of Illinois, a signed prescription for physical therapy treatment is NO LONGER required as Direct Access to Physical Therapy services was passed into law in 2019. The law does require that we inform your medical provider that you are receiving physical therapy care, so we will ask you to provide the name of your medical provider. If you do not have an established provider or have any other questions about this, please call us to discuss. Many patients do come to PT with a prescription from healthcare providers such as a physician, nurse practitioner, midwife, or podiatrist. This can assist with third-party payment. The prescription may be faxed to (331) 979-9295 or brought to your first appointment.
How frequently will I need physical therapy?
Frequency and duration of physical therapy is condition dependent. At your first appointment, your physical therapist will take a thorough medical history and take objective measurements to develop a plan of care, discuss your prognosis, and anticipate an approximate frequency and duration of treatment. Most conditions will require once weekly sessions and progress to longer intervals between visits as the patient becomes more independent with their home exercise program and progresses towards discharge.
What is your cancellation/ “no show” policy?
We request patients cancel their visits with at least 24-hours notice so that we might have an opportunity to accommodate other patients. If you cancel after 12pm the business day prior to your scheduled visit or no-show to an appointment, you will be responsible for a $50 cancellation fee. Note that cancellations for Monday are required by 12pm on the Friday before your scheduled appointment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
There are no rules or restrictions to what you can wear to your appointment. We recommend
patients wear comfortable clothing that they can move around in easily.
Is there anything I need to prepare for my first appointment?
Anything you might need to bring to your first appointment will be listed in a “Getting Started” email we will send you prior to your first appointment. You may also find this intake paperwork and requirements on our website.
Can I bring my children to physical therapy appointments?
Typically, children are welcome to attend PT with our patients; however, effective June 1, 2020, only patients are allowed into the clinic during their scheduled appointments due to our precautions and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insurance
Is physical therapy covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover physical therapy services; however, it is the responsibility of the patient to verify their coverage. We suggest that you contact your insurance company and inquire about your benefits. Your insurance company should explain your deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance, as well as any limitations to your benefits such as possible visit limits per year. Some insurances may require precertification. If this is the case, you must alert us prior to your first appointment. Payment for physical therapy services provided is ultimately the
responsibility of the patient.
Are you in-network with my insurance company?
We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield PPO. We will submit your claims to BCBS and then bill you for any outstanding charges due.
What about Medicare?
Currently we are not a Medicare Provider. We cannot submit claims to Medicare. Additionally, we are unable to see Medicare patients even if they wish to pay out-of-pocket for our PT services due to Medicare law.
Billing
What is my balance?
If you have a balance, you will receive a statement in the mail. At any time, you may call our
billing advisor, Jessica Cardenas, with any questions about your claims or balance at (864)
679-1600 x 333.
balance when you arrive for an appointment.
How do I pay my bill?
You can find the information for our billing portal on your statement. You can pay your bill any
time through the billing portal. Otherwise, you can pay in-clinic or over the phone with our
administrative staff.
BILLING PORTAL LINK:
https://pay.instamed.com/Form/PaymentPortal/Default?id=VITALITYWOMENS
Can I pay my bill in person/at the clinic?
Yes; our administrative staff is happy to collect your payment in person.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept check, cash, Visa, and Mastercard.
Pelvic Physical Therapy
Can I come to pelvic physical therapy during menstruation?
Patients may often prefer to defer internal pelvic floor treatment during menstruation, notably on heavy days; however, internal pelvic PT is not contraindicated on these days. We recommend keeping scheduled appointments as treatment that day can be adjusted to patient preference and needs.
What is pelvic physical therapy?
In pelvic physical therapy, we assess and treat the muscles of your pelvic floor (and core) that are likely contributing to your symptoms. The pelvic floor muscles are like any other skeletal muscle in your body, but they are located in a harder to reach, more intimate area of our body—the space between our legs. Due to the location of these muscles, pelvic floor PT often—but not always—involves direct internal assessment and treatment of these muscles via the vagina or rectum. Only physical therapists with advanced specialty training should conduct these pelvic muscle assessments and treatment.
What should I expect during my initial pelvic physical therapy session?
During your first pelvic physical therapy session, you will discuss the reason for your visit and the goals you wish to accomplish with the help of your therapist. Your therapist will then perform a physical assessment to best determine how to treat your specific symptoms. This assessment may involve an external and internal examination of your pelvic floor muscle function using one gloved finger. No speculum or stirrups are used for this assessment. If you do not feel comfortable with this assessment, you and your therapist will discuss alternatives or wait until you feel more comfortable before conducting it. You never have to have your muscles assessed in this manner, but it is highly effective for proper assessment and treatment of many pelvic floor conditions. Your therapist will then give you exercises and/or strategies to start at home prior to your next PT session.
Telehealth
Your Telehealth Questions Answered
Will the treatment be painful?
No. During the first few days there may be a small amount of sensitvity however, after the first few days of treatment, this senstivity should cease.
My child does not have many adult teeth, is he/she too young?
The best time to start Myobrace treatment is between 5-10 years old and therefore it is normal to only have a few adult teeth. Because Myobrace treatment works by promoting correct facial deveolopment and jaw growth through removing bad habits, the best and most stable results are often acheived early while the child is still growing.
How long does treatment take?
It is heavily dependent on the child's compliance to Myobrace treatment and their biological ability to change habits as well as growth patterns. Generally, the earlier treatment is started - the higher level of success. Suggested treatment time with good compliance is generally two to three years, providing thre are no other signigicant health concerns limiting treatment results.
Will my child still need braces after treatment?
Myobrace pre-orthodontic treatment assists your child's teeth and jaws to grow naturally and accommodate for all their adult teeth. Treatment is amined at achieving natural dental alignment in harmony with the body. Braces are sometimes used at the end of treatment for a short period if perfect "picket fence" alignment is desired.
When treatment is complete, will the teeth crowd up again?
Over the course of Myobrace treatment, our team will closely montor the stability of treatment. Generally, if the myofuncitonal problems are corrected, the teeth will stay in their position.
Are there any harmful side effects with Myobrace treatment?
There have been no reported harmful effects with Myobrace treatment. They appliances used are flexible and exert light intermittent forces that assist in retraining the muscles and mode of breathing.
Will my insurance cover the treatment?
Yes. If you have orhtodontic coverage through your employer, it will be covered according to the terms of your policy.