What is Physical Therapy?
A healthcare profession dedicated to helping you develop, preserve, and
restore your physical abilities and improve your every function after
injury, illness, or birth condition. Physical Therapists are also
committed to health promotion and injury prevention techniques.
Who Practices Physical Therapy?
College graduates from either a Bachelor of Science or a Master's Entry
Level accredited program who have also passed the state licensing
examination.
Why see a Physical Therapist?
Because you believe you can feel better and reclaim improved performance at work and play.
Where do I go?
To any physical therapist you choose. Your insurance company usually
requires a prescription for Physical Therapy Examination and Treatment
Intervention.
What is Massabesic Health Resources?
An independent, rural physical therapy clinic
established in 1987. MHR is dedicated to
providing you with personalized, professional
healthcare to improve the quality of your life.
Take a tour of the clinic on our website or in
person to learn what Physical Therapy at MHR is all about.
Does my insurance cover Out-Patient Physical Therapy?
Check with your insurance company on the specifics of your policy. Each
insurance company sets their own procedures and policies. Call your
customer representative for an explanation of your purchased plan.
What additional and related services do you offer?
Since 1993, MHR has offered the local community full participation in
exercise programs and special health education classes. A complete gym
and heated pool are available for a nominal fee. Access to the facility
is by scheduled appt. to ensure a comfortable, working ratio.
What is the fee structure for Physical Therapy?
At present, if you are in a Fee for Service Insurance program, you are
charged for those professional services you receive.
Do all insurance companies pay for Physical Therapy?
Check your insurance coverage to learn about the specific guidelines of your health insurance benefits.
How do you bill for your services?
Traditionally, insurance companies have required a coded breakdown of
the physical therapy evaluations, modalities, procedures utilized at
every visit. Our fees reflect charges which are typical of this
geographical region. We bill primary insurance companies weekly
utilizing a standardized industry format.
Tell me about the newer types of insurance companies?
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider
Organizations (PPOs), and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are several
examples of the new health insurance entities.
Why the changes from the traditional systems?
This is the age of accountability. Please recognize that there are many
insurance products available. You have chosen or accepted a health plan
with very specific benefits. It is your responsibility to become
acquainted with this package and to follow the outlined guidelines for
the reimbursement of your treatment program
What do I need to do differently?
Most of the new health plans require pre-certifications, primary care
referrals, pre-authorization of visits and extensions. We will work
with you to facilitate the process. We are not in a position to take
all these steps for you. Please understand it is your healthcare plan.
What are some of the more common conditions that a physical therapist might treat?
Common conditions may include a group of orthopaedic problems related
to the bones, joints, ligaments and muscles such as back or neck pain,
dislocations, fractures, headaches, osteoporosis, pre- and
post-surgical conditions of an arm, leg or spine, sprains and strains
for example.
Sports injuries- of all different types are commonly seen. Traumatic
and overuse injuries both benefit from prompt and appropriate
healthcare. The serious and recreational athlete alike are frequently
treated.
Workplace injuries- resolve more quickly from early intervention. Most
often, these problems fall in the first category of orthopaedic
conditions.
Neurologic conditions- resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury,
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, parkinson's disease, peripheral
nerve and spinal cord injury name a few of those more common conditions
seen in an out patient clinic.
Rheumatologic conditions- such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis,
fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and rheumatoid
arthritis may benefit from focused physical therapy interventions.
Heart and lung (cardiopulmonary) and circulatory (cardiovascular)
conditions- such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes,
emphysema, family history of or heart disease, hypertension, recovery
after uncomplicated heart attack, obesity and peripheral vascular
disease.
Connective tissue disorders- after a severe burn, excessive scarring,
ulcers, and wounds are also treated to return maximal function and
mobility to the region.
Systemic diseases- including the effects of cancer may be helped by focused interventions by a physical therapist.
For more detailed information on Physical Therapy in Waterboro and surrounding towns, call or e-mail us.
