Question 1

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit will last approximately one hour and will include a comprehensive evaluation and applicable treatment administered by a licensed physical therapist. Your physical therapist will review your medical history, diagnostic tests and any recent events that may have contributed to your current condition. Your evaluation will include assessment of your current functional deficits, pain level and posture, as well as a thorough evaluation of your flexibility, strength, balance and endurance.

Following your evaluation, your physical therapist will thoroughly explain your personalized treatment plan and expectations for recovery and provide a commitment letter to you. Communication between the patient and physical therapist is of utmost importance at ATI and you are an active participant in your recovery.

Question 2

When should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive 15 minutes before your first appointment in order to complete all necessary paperwork.

Question 3

What should I wear to my appointments?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable clothing, athletic wear, preferably no jewelry.

Question 4

Who pays for treatment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, health insurance will cover all or a portion of the treatment costs. There may be out of pocket expenses (such as co-payments or deductibles) that the patient may be required to pay, which is determined by the patient’s insurance provider. If needed, our team will assist with payment arrangements.

Any question pertaining to your coverage and financial responsibility is directed to our Eligibility and Benefits Department.

Question 5

How does the billing process work?

Accepted Answer

Billing for Physical Therapy services is similar to billing for a doctor’s visit. The following occurs when a patient is scheduled for treatment:

The patient’s insurance is verified to ensure coverage from the insurance carrier for the specified course of treatment. Authorization is obtained and we bill the insurance company based on the results of the verification of benefits. The patient is notified if there are issues obtaining authorization for services, or if we are unable to verify coverage.
The patient’s insurance is billed based on charges or Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes that are determined based on the course of treatment from the patient’s Physical Therapist.
The insurance carrier processes the information submitted and makes payments according to an agreed upon contract or fee schedule.
The patient will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the insurance carrier; we receive a similar EOB indicating the payment has been issued. The EOB also provides patient responsibility, and if applicable, the patient is obligated to make the payment for any balance.
It is important to understand that there are many small steps (beyond those outlined above) within the billing process.  Exceptions are common, and missing information and/or miscommunications may occur.   This can delay the payment process.

Joette Lloyd