What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a field within healthcare that helps patients recover from injury, pain, and/or surgery. The therapists at CORE are skilled in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and musculoskeletal injuries. They use a variety of techniques including: exercise, manual therapy, patient education, aquatic therapy, laser therapy, and modalities to assist the patient with full recovery.

Why choose CORE for physical therapy?

• Patient first attitude
• Focus on patient goals and functional outcomes
• Excellent patient outcomes
• Skilled physical therapists
• Convenient hours
• Excellent communication with doctors and medical staff
• State of the art, clean, and friendly facility
• Caring and friendly support staff
• Superior customer service

What services are available at CORE?

• Physical Therapy
• Hand Therapy / Splints
• Sports Rehabilitation
• Aquatic Therapy
• Laser Therapy
• Functional Capacity Evaluations
• Work Conditioning
• Job-site Analysis
• Aftercare Program
• Arthritis Aquatics Program

What takes place during the initial evaluation with the physical therapist?

The initial evaluation involves the therapist examining the problem area and diagnosis. The therapist will perform tests and measures related to the diagnosis or problem. During the evaluation the therapist will ask various questions regarding the diagnosis, symptoms, and injury. The therapist will utilize all of the information gathered from this examination to develop an effective treatment plan. The initial evaluation will usually last 30 – 45 minutes. Treatment will be started if time permits.

What should I wear?

Please wear loose-comfortable clothing. The clinic does have disposable gowns and shorts if needed. Shoulder patients should wear tank tops or jogging bras. Lower extremity patients (hips, knees, ankles, feet) should wear shorts. The clinic does have a dressing room and shower facilities for both males and females. Patients should also wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes.

How long does a typical physical therapy treatment last?

Typically, treatments sessions last from 45 – 60 minutes. Your therapist will be able to more accurately determine treatment times after the initial evaluation.

Will I see the same therapist each time I come for therapy?

We make every effort possible to keep you with the same therapist that performed the initial evaluation. There may be circumstances that prevent this from happening including the patient’s schedule, therapist vacations, illness, or emergencies.

How long will I need to attend therapy?

Every diagnosis and patient is different. Certain conditions and diagnoses do have protocols for time, however, patients respond differently to injuries and pain. Your therapist will be able to more accurately answer this question after the initial evaluation. We do track outcomes and length of time for body part if you would like a general idea based on previous patients. Please remember, all patients, diagnoses, and injuries are patient specific and different patients respond at different rates of time. There is no magic number of visits. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is no physical therapy.

Will therapy completely cure or fix my problem?

It can. The main goal of therapy is to educate and instruct the patient in a treatment plan that the patient can continue to perform on their own. The therapist will show the patient tools to allow him/her to continue to address the cause of the problem. The patient may or may not be 100% after therapy, but the patient should have confidence that they have been instructed in a treatment plan to continue to address the cause of the problem.

Can I continue to use the facility after I have been discharged from therapy?

Yes. We do have an Aftercare Program available for patients who have been discharged.

What do I need to bring if I have been referred for aquatic physical therapy?

The first visit, the initial evaluation, you will need to wear loose-comfortable clothing (see above). When attending for a pool treatment session, you should bring a swimsuit and a towel. Dressing rooms and showers are available for patient use.

What are your appointment times and who do I contact to start therapy?

Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. We are open 2-3 Saturdays a month from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. If you need to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please contact our staff at 972-395-2293.

Can other doctors besides the physicians at Metrocrest Orthopaedics refer to your facility?

Yes. Our facility accepts referrals from other referral sources as long as we are providers with your insurance company.

 What insurances does your facility take?

Most major insurances are able to be seen at our facility. Please call if you have questions regarding a particular insurance. 972-395-2293

How much will my insurance pay?

Every insurance plan is different. Please contact your insurance company to determine the exact amount you will be responsible to pay. We will verify your insurance, but it is always advised that the patient check the information as well.

Do I have to pay a co-pay or make a payment every time I attend therapy?

Yes, if required by your insurance company. We are required to collect co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance. Even if you have multiple visits per week, you will need to make a co-pay or co-insurance payment at each visit if required by your insurance company.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Please contact our Billing Specialist if you wish to obtain more information or set up a payment plan (972-395-2233). We will be happy to send you a copy of our Financial Policy Brochure.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my physical therapy bill?

Please contact our Billing Specialist at 972-395-2233.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

 Do you accept Worker’s Compensation patients?

We do accept worker’s compensation patients. Please be advised that before treatment can begin, authorization for treatment will need to be obtained. Many times we have to wait to receive the doctor’s dictation from the day he recommended therapy before we can submit for authorization. Once authorization has been submitted, it usually takes 72 hours to know if the therapy was approved. Once approved, there may be periodic needs to reauthorize, and sometimes the authorities will not approve further treatment. We are required by law to abide by those authorizations.