How can I get into a physical therapy program?
There are 2 ways to begin your physical therapy:
Prescription/Referral: Your doctor will give you a written prescription for physical therapy. If you have an HMO, you will also get a specialist referral.
Direct Access: You can come directly into The Therapy Network and be evaluated by one of our highly trained licensed physical therapists without a prescription.
My Prescription says a different company at the top. Do I have to go to that PT company?
If your doctor knows the therapists at The Therapy Network and has a specific treatment in mind he or she will let you know exactly what TTN clinic to go to. TTN has many specialized therapists and your doctor knows you will get the best treatment with that therapist. If your prescription has another outpatient physical therapy company’s name on it, you do NOT have to go to that clinic. As long as you have a valid prescription for physical therapy, you can choose what outpatient group to go to. TTN is known throughout Hampton Roads for its personalized therapy treatment plans for its patients. Your care will be customized to your needs if you choose The Therapy Network.
What is a valid prescription?
A valid doctor’s prescription for physical therapy includes the doctor’s orders for physical therapy, and the duration of those orders. You must use your prescription within 30 days of it being written to ensure its medical validity. Your therapy will progress better if you go to see your therapist right away after you receive your prescription for physical therapy. You may have to go back to your doctor if you have a prescription that is over 30 days old.
Is The Therapy Network a part of my doctor’s office?
The Therapy Network is a separate company from your doctor’s office. The Therapy Network provides outpatient physical therapy for many different doctors in the Tidewater area. TTN is a specialist in outpatient physical therapy and that is how your insurance company sees them. TTN is very proud of the high level of communication provided to your physician during your treatment. The professional therapists at The Therapy Network make sure that your doctor knows everything that is going on within your treatment because TTN is an important part of your physician’s plan of care for you.
I was in a car accident, how does my physical therapy get paid for?
There are four options for coverage of your physical therapy bills:
3rd Party Insurance: The person who caused the accident will have insurance that could cover a portion of the costs of your physical therapy. The Therapy Network’s front desk associates can assist you with gathering all the information needed if you are using 3rd party insurance.
Attorney Lien: Some people choose to ask an attorney for advice. The attorney may take their case and have an attorney lien signed by the patient. The lien is a contract that states the attorney will reimburse The Therapy Network if there is a settlement in the case. If there is no settlement, the patient is responsible for the balance.
Self-Pay: The patient can just choose to pay for their physical therapy treatment outright.
Your Personal Insurance: TTN accepts most major insurances and will verify your benefits before you begin your therapy.
How long will my first appointment take?
Initial evaluations will take no more than 2 hours. This includes an extensive interview on your living/work environment and how that affects your musculoskeletal condition. Depending on your condition, the appointment following the initial evaluation could take up to one hour. Some diagnoses necessitate a longer per-visit treatment time. Your therapist will explain this in detail to you during your first visit.
What do I need to bring for my first appointment?
Please bring:
- Your physical therapy prescription
- A photo ID card
- Your current insurance card(s)
You will need information about your injury, your work and emergency contact information. Wear comfortable clothes, as you will be examined and then lead through possible exercises. Co-payments will be collected at each appointment.
Can I bring family members with me to my therapy?
The initial evaluation is a good place to bring an adult member of your family for additional information or assistance into the clinic. After your first visit, it is recommended that you have your adult family member wait for you in the reception area. Unattended children are not allowed in the exercise areas for safety reasons. We strongly encourage patients to arrange for someone to watch the children so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
How do I know if you take my insurance?
- The Therapy Network participates with the following insurances and benefit plans:
- Medicare Part B
- Tricare/Tricare Prime/ Tricare for Life
- Anthem
- Healthkeepers
- Aetna PPO
- Virginia Health Network
- Mailhandlers
- Sentara Optima PPO Only
- First Health
- Private health Care Systems (PHCS)
- Workmen’s Compensation Insurances
- *Med Risk *Comp Management *First Health
- Personal Injury – (Liens with Attorneys)
The Therapy Network also has a contract with Corvel, workmen’s compensation organization. Ask your employer if Corvel is managing your company’s Workmen’s Compensation.