Will my insurance pay for treatment? What would I have to pay each visit?
Most insurance companies pay all or part of physical therapy needs. We will contact your insurance company at your first visit to verify coverage and discuss any co-payments with you.
Nantahala Physical Therapy maintains first quality treatment at competitive rates. Once we determine your treatment, we will be happy to discuss cost of treatment and payment methods.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment will last about an hour. The physical therapist will give a full evaluation from feet to head to determine any causes that might contribute to your pain. You will be asked a series of questions to determine your pain levels and past medical history, as well as your goals for physical therapy.
Your therapist will then create a plan of care based on his/her evaluation and send it to your doctor for his/her approval.
Do I need to be referred to physical therapy by my doctor?
North Carolina is a direct access state, meaning Physical Therapists have the prerogative to treat patients without a referral. Most insurance companies will reimburse for physical therapy without a referral. However, a few insurance companies do require a physician referral for payment. For example, most Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans do not require a physician referral, but at present Medicare does. If you have any concerns about your insurance coverage, our front office staff is happy to help answer your questions.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork (or save time by downloading them here and completing it before you arrive). Please bring your prescription for physical therapy and your insurance information.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing! If you are receiving lower extremity treatment, we encourage shorts or loose pants that roll up easily. You may also need a bathing suit if aquatic therapy is appropriate, although you will not need a suit for your initial visit. You are welcome to bring a change of clothing.
How long is each visit? How many times will I have to come?
Each visit lasts approximately one hour. The number of sessions you need will depend on your injury/diagnosis, your personal recovery rate, and your diligence in doing your homework (home exercises, medications, etc).
What treatments will I receive?
After the initial evaluation, the therapist will create a customized plan of care for you. This plan of care is sent to your doctor for evaluation and our therapists communicate regularly with him/her to ensure your treatment is maximizing your ability to improve. Treatments may vary each visit and are unique to each patient.
Will it hurt?
Many times, pain relief is a prime objective for a physical therapy patient. This is frequently accomplished through a variety of techniques. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises for pain relief and the recovery of motion, strength and endurance.
Communication between you and the therapist is vital; do not stop coming to therapy because you feel sore, rather make your appointment and convey any soreness to your therapist. It is important you communicate the intensity, frequency and duration of pain to your therapist so he/she can adjust your treatment plan. Our goal is to provide the best possible service with the least discomfort possible.
How do I cancel an appointment?
Remember that you are coming to therapy to remedy the condition that is affecting you; therefore, it is really important for you to attend your scheduled appointments. NPT maintains a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, a $15.00 fee will be applied to your account. All missed appointments must be made up the same week so you can stay on track with your therapy regimen.