Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?
It is often called “hands on healing”. It is the conservative side of medicine that encompasses a full body approach to one’s ailment. Generally, the field uses the person’s own resources through techniques and modalities to restore a person to his/her optimal health.
DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION?
Since 2006, individuals may have Direct Access to Physical Therapy to be evaluated and treated by a licensed Physical Therapist without first seeing a physician for a prescription. New York State law (Education Law &6731[c]) states “such treatment may be rendered by a licensed physical therapist for ten visits or thirty days, whichever shall occur first, without a referral from a physician, dentist, podiatrist or nurse practitioner…” Please note that Direct Access does not apply for Medicare patients who must have a doctor’s prescription.
DOES MY INSURANCE COVER PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Insurance covers most physical therapy, but each plan is unique and some require prior approval. Consult your insurance company to be sure.
WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call (845)297-4789 and we’ll make it very easy for you. Please have your insurance card handy when you call.
IS THERE ANY PAPERWORK I NEED TO FILL OUT PRIOR TO MY FIRST VISIT?
Yes please print and fill out the following forms:
WHAT ARE MODALITIES?
Modalities are treatment techniques used by physical therapists to aid in a person’s recovery. They include moist heat, massage, joint mobilization, stretching, myofascial release, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, iontophoresis, cryotherapy and therapeutic exercise. All are explained by the therapist before one is treated.
WHAT IS AQUATIC THERAPY?
Aquatic Therapy is a branch of physical therapy that utilizes the buoyancy and resistance of water to promote healing.
DO I ALWAYS SEE THE SAME THERAPIST?
In the aquatic therapy environment, therapists may vary from session to session.
HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?
Generally, your initial evaluation will last over one hour where the therapist will explain your condition, provide treatment and give home instructions. Subsequent visits may last from 1 to 3 hours depending on the person’s injury and level of activity. Aquatic sessions are generally one hour.
HOW FREQUENTLY DO I COME?
Most prescriptions are 2-3 times weekly, but this may vary upon your condition.
I’VE HEARD THE TREATMENT IS PAINFUL. IS THIS TRUE?
Contrary to popular belief, most of physical therapy feels good. Massage, heat and soft tissue work are all pain free. The reputation comes from physical therapist trying to push the body to its limits in order to get 100% recovery. Rest assured that the physical therapist will work well within your tolerance.
WHAT INSURANCE DO YOU TAKE?
The Center for Physical Therapy accepts most major insurance policies including Blue Cross, HealthNet, Medicare, and MVP. We accept many other insurances as an out-of-network provider. Insurance networks and contracts change frequently, so please call us to verify if we participate with your insurance plan. See our insurance page for more information.
DO YOU TAKE WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION AND NO-FAULT?
Yes, we do.
IS THERE A CO-PAY?
Most insurances have a specialist co-pay or co-insurance for each physical therapy visit. Each policy is different, so you must check with your insurance representative.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF VISITS I AM ALLOWED?
Most insurance plans allow a certain amount of visits per year or per diagnosis. In addition, some insurance companies utilize private networks to analyze individual patient health data to limit the number of visits, despite the amount of visits one’s plan allows. Center For Physical Therapy will file an appeal on behalf of patients who may be denied services if additional therapy is medically necessary.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO I PERFORM?
Depending upon your condition, one usually takes part in some type of therapeutic exercise. At Center For Physical Therapy, we are firm believers that conditioning and exercise play vital roles in recovery. Physical therapy is unique in the fact that treatment is not all passive; patients take an active role in their recovery.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Most people come in sweats or gym apparel. Wear something comfortable to exercise in and which will allow access to the area to be treated. For example please wear shorts if there is a knee condition or a tank top if there is shoulder trouble.
IS THERE A PLACE TO CHANGE MY CLOTHES?
Our comfortable locker rooms have areas for you to change your clothes, store your valuables in a locker (please bring a lock), and even take a shower if desired.
IS PRIVACY MAINTAINED?
Yes, your privacy in conversation and in dress is most certainly maintained in six private rooms. Most knees and ankles are treated in an open, friendly atmosphere.
IS THERE CONTACT BETWEEN THE PHYSICIAN AND PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
At our facility a progress note will be written to your physician before your next visit or once every four weeks. If the physician has any concerns, there are direct channels to reach us.