General:
Q:
Do I have to have a referral from my doctor for therapy?
A: Yes, almost all insurance companies
require a current referral (no more than 30 days old)
in order for services to be covered.
You may
see a Physical Therapist without a referral, however we will most
likely be unable to bill an insurance company for your care.
Q:
My referral is for a different company; can I come to Highline
Therapy instead?
A: Yes, as long as we are providers with your insurance company.
Q:
What happens on my first visit? What should I bring/wear?
A: Your first visit will include an evaluation and, time permitting,
your treatment will be started.
Please
bring your referral and your insurance information with you.
Please
refrain from wearing perfume or cologne at your visit. Some individuals
are highly sensitive, and can have an allergic reaction.
Recommended
clothing:
Spinal injuries: gym shorts, comfortable/loose
tops
Knee, ankle, hip: gym
shorts, comfortable/loose tops
Arm/shoulder, etc: tank
top, we can provide a gown
We do have rooms available to change your clothes.
Treatment:
Q: I think I need therapy, what do I need to do?
A: Contact your doctor to discuss your needs. If your doctor
believes that therapy would be beneficial for you, you will receive a
written referral. Give us a call to schedule your first appointment.
Q: Will I have the same therapist every time I come in?
A: We make every effort to ensure that you are seen by your
evaluating therapist and their assistant. These teams meet regularly
and coordinate your plan of care. Due to coverage purposes (sick/vacation/etc)
you may see other therapists from time-to-time.
Q: Can I request a female or male therapist?
A: Our clinics usually have both females and males available.
We will make accommodations whenever we are able.
Q: How long do visits take?
A: Visits last 30 to 60 minutes based on the treatment being
provided. Work conditioning patients are in the clinic for 2 hours. PCE’s
take up to 8 hours (over a 2 day period).
Q: Does therapy hurt?
A: Your therapist is trained to evaluate and treat your particular
problem. The evaluation and treatments may cause discomfort, but our
staff will do everything possible to keep you comfortable and reduce
discomfort.
Q: What happens when I’m done with therapy?
A: Your therapist may provide you with a detailed home exercise
program. Your therapist may also recommend that you continue with an
independent gym or pool program at one of our clinics. You may also be
instructed to follow up at your local health and fitness club.
Q: How long will it take me to get better?
A: Everyone heals a little differently based on their response
to pain, severity of injury and diligence with their exercise program.
There is no magic number of visits.
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Services:
Q:
What is a PCE?
A: A Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE) or Functional Capacity
Evaluation (FCE) is a thorough evaluation and testing procedure that
helps determine what your physical abilities are and what you can do
safely. This report is sent to your doctor, vocational counselor and
employer, as requested.
Q:
What is pool therapy?
A: Exercise performed in the pool reduces stress on joints and
muscles and helps decrease the discomfort associated with resisted exercise.
Q:
Which clinics have pools? How big are they?
A: Our Burien clinic has
a small pool- 8 x 12ft. Our Federal
Way clinic has a larger pool, 20 x 20 ft and a Jacuzzi.
Q:
Do you have pool exercise classes?
A: Not at this time. However, Highline
Medical Center has several pool exercise classes available, go
to their website www.hchnet.org for more information.
Q: What is the difference between Physical and Occupational
Therapy?
A: In general, Physical Therapists treat problems related to
weakness, pain and generalized movement dysfunction. Occupational Therapists
treat specific functional problems such as loss of daily living skills.
OT’s also treat problems involving arm and hand function.
Q:
Do you offer swallowing evals?
A: Yes, the Speech and Language Pathologists at our Tukwila
clinic perform thorough swallow evaluations, including swallow video
analysis.
Q:
What is the difference between a Physical Therapist and a Physical
Therapy Assistant?
A: A Physical Therapist (PT) has more extensive education requiring
at least a Master's degree. The PT’s training teaches them to perform
evaluations and develop a plan of care based on their evaluation.
A Physical
Therapy Assistant (PTA) has an Associate degree and is trained to
work teamed up with a PT. The PTA is effectively able to carry out
the recommended treatment in the therapist’s plan of care.
As a team, the PT and PTA both deliver treatment to ensure the patient’s
progress toward their goals.
Q:
Do you offer therapy for dizziness and balance problems?
A: Yes, we have therapists specifically trained in Vestibular
Rehab on staff at our Burien and West
Seattle clinics.
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Billing & Insurance:
Q: Will Medicare cover my therapy?
A: Yes, at 80% with a current RX from a doctor. You must have
both Part A and Part B coverage. All current Medicare Rules must be followed
throughout the patient’s care with us.
Q: I have a secondary (supplemental) insurance, will you bill
them too?
A: We will bill any secondary insurance, provided that benefits
are available for our services.
Q: I have a question about a bill I received from you, who
do I call?
A: Please contact our Central
Billing Office at 253-874-2998.
Q: How much will my insurance pay?
A: Each insurance plan can vary- contact the Customer Service
department of your insurance plan.
Q: Do I have to pay a co-pay every time I go to therapy?
A: Yes, if your insurance requires a co-pay, it is due at each
visit you have with us.
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