Do I need a referral?
Not necessarily. Medicare and some private insurers still require a referral from your doctor prior to seeing a PT. However, many insurance companies allow North Carolina PT's to see patients by direct access. You should check your policy to see if you need a referral.

Do you accept my insurance?
We accept and file most primary insurance. We are Medicare certified, and a member of all of the BC/BS of NC insurance plans. As individual policies vary, you should check with your insurance agent regarding specific details of your coverage. If you are a member of a PPO or HMO, please be aware that you may need pre-authorization for physical therapy before the first visit (request made by your doctor's office), and sometimes you may receive authorization for subsequent treatments only after the initial assessment is completed and the insurer receives the necessary documentation. Further limits on the number of sessions allowed, deductibles that need to be met or other limits may apply.

Rehabilitation Associates will assist you in filing your claim, but please remember that your insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance carrier - any financial benefit/settlement you receive is between you and that company. You are obligated to pay for your services regardless of the amount your insurance pays. If problems occur with your claim, only you and the insurer can resolve the differences.

How long does each session last?
The first session, which includes an initial assessment of your problem, as well as treatment will take the longest, typically 60 - 75 minutes. Afterward appointments usually range from 45-60 minutes. In an effort to give everyone the individualized attention that we take pride in, we ask that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment.

What should I expect on my first visit?
On the first visit, your physical therapist will interview you regarding your present problem, including the history of your condition, such as the date that the symptoms started, how long they last, and the level of intensity of pain, discomfort or stiffness, including aggravating or relieving factors. You will be asked regarding any other past or present medical conditions, whether laboratory or radiographic studies (X-ray, CT scan, MRI) have been performed and the results of these tests if known. Since sometimes the root of your problem is not obvious, the more we know the better that we can treat you.

After the interview, a physical exam is performed, which may start out with general, and progress to more specific tests and measures. Usually, the exam will include measurements of range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and flexibility, joint mobility and quality of movement, muscle tone and more. Following the evaluation, the findings will be discussed with you, and a physical therapy Plan of Care will be developed. Treatment is initiated on the first visit, when appropriate. (Be aware, some insurers limit the first visit to the initial assessment only).

What should I wear/bring?
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that easily exposes the body part to be treated, as well as adjacent joints. Rehabilitation Associates has gowns, T-shirts and gym shorts available in a variety of sizes, if needed. You should wear comfortable tennis shoes, if available. However, in cases of back or leg problems, an assessment of your usual footwear is necessary.

You will need to bring your physician referral/prescription for physical therapy and your insurance card to your first visit. Bring any medical records of your current or significant past problem. A list of your current medications is recommended. If you use a brace or splint, cane or walker, please bring this with you even if you do not feel that you need it.

How do I make an appointment?
Call us at 828/258-0797 for an appointment or to talk to one of our therapists.

Can I choose which physical therapist to go to?
Of course you can. The decision of where you receive treatment is yours. If you have a specific therapist or practice you would like to go to, you should let your doctor or insurance company know this. Not all physical therapists, or practices, are the same and the choice of your provider is yours. Sometimes your physician will recommend a specific therapist or practice to you, sometimes your insurance company will require you to go to a specific therapist or practice. You always have the right to ask for a specific provider. If we are not “in network” with your specific insurance company, many have out of network options that still provide coverage.