What happens during my first visit?

During your first visit you can expect the following:

• Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website – see the paperwork or forms link).
• If necessary, you will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy.
• We will copy your insurance card.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
• The therapist will discuss the following:
  1. Your medical history.
  2. Your current problems/complaints.
  3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  5. Your goals with physical therapy.
  6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
• The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
• 1. Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  2. Muscle Testing – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
  3. Palpation – touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  4. Neurological Screening – the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  5. Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
  6. Posture Assessment – the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed, created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

How long will each treatment last?

Your first visit will take approximately 1 to 1½ hours for the evaluation and to begin treatment. Your treatment time will vary depending on your particular injury. If you are ever on a time constraint, please inform us when you arrive for your appointment and we will accommodate your needs.

How should I dress?

Feel free to wear whatever is comfortable.  We will provide you with shorts and gowns so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. 

What do I need to bring with me?

Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.

What happens if my problem or pain returns?

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

Can I go directly to my physical therapist?

Wisconsin is a direct access state and therefore, a physician’s prescription is NOT necessary in order to see a physical therapist.  However, some insurance companies may require a physician’s prescription before they will cover the expenses.  Our staff is more than happy to assist you in finding out your insurance companies policies on this.  

How does the billing process work?

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor’s office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

1. The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Workers’ Comp, or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.
2. Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.
3. The payer processes this information and makes payments either directly to Joints in Motion Physical Therapy, or at times may send the payment directly to the patient.  
4. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.
5. The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.
6. Please be aware that you, as the patient, are ultimately responsible for any charges incurred.