Frequently Asked Questions
At Bernier Physical Therapy Associates, we know you'll have a lot of questions about your healthcare and physical therapy needs. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
Office & Administrative Questions
Q: Will I have co-pay for each visit?
A: Usually, if you have an HMO there is a co-pay, however there are also other plans that require a co-pay as well.
Q: How does my deductible work?
A: The deductible is a dollar amount the insurance policy requires you to pay before the insurance carrier pays their portion.
Q: Can I schedule an appointment for late in the day?
A: We have appointments as late as 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: We accept MasterCard and Visa.
Q: Do I need to sign in?
A: Yes, we ask that you sign in at the time of each visit.
Q: Do you send my bills to the insurance company?
A: We will send your claims to your insurance company for processing.
Q: Will you balance bill me?
A: Your co-pay is due at the time of your visit and we will balance bill you if your insurance carrier needs to process your claim before we know the patient's balance due.
Q: Will you help me fill out the forms?
A: Yes, we are always available to assist you in filling out our paper work.
Q: Do I have to sign the cancel/no show fee statement? I never cancel so I won't sign this.
A: We do require you to sign the cancellation/no show policy.
Q: Is the office handicapped accessible?
A: Yes, the building has reserved handicapped parking spaces. There is also a wheelchair ramp leading to the building and an elevator located in the center of the building.
Physical Therapy Questions
Q: What do I wear to physical therapy?
A: Wear loose fitting clothing. For shoulder and neck treatment, a halter or tank top is best; for low back or lower extremity treatments, shorts or sweats are best.
Q: Will I see the same therapist all of the time?
A: If you prefer to see the same therapist simply request to do so when scheduling your appointments. Otherwise you may see another therapist who has an opening that best suits your schedule.
Q: Will I have privacy?
A: Your privacy will be a priority at all appointments. We have separate stations with curtains to ensure your privacy.
Q: Will I get a home exercise program?
A: You will be given exercises to perform at home, starting on the first visit. Your home program will be expanded depending upon your progress as your therapy continues.
Q: Do I have to come back for more treatment after the first visit?
A: You will be advised at the conclusion of your initial evaluation visit on the frequency. A recommendation from your therapist and your doctor's order will be given as to the duration and frequency of follow-up treatments.
Q: Will I be exposing the area of pain?
A: It will be necessary to expose the area of pain in order to allow therapeutic modalities and tissue mobilization to be applied. This is done in a private treatment area within the clinic. Measures are taken to provide dignity and safety at all times.
Q: How long will the sessions be?
A: Sessions usually last for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on what goals are to be achieved for that day. The initial visit may be up to an hour so that the therapist may gather the necessary information to identify all problems and to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Q: Will I have input in establishing the goals for my therapy?
A: Patient input is critical in establishing goals and positive treatment outcomes. It is important for the patient and physical therapist to maintain communication to ensure progress and improved function.
Q: Will you communicate with my doctor regarding my progress?
A: The therapist will provide a written progress note for all follow-up doctor's appointments. If necessary, direct communication by telephone may be done to address an immediate issue.
Q: How many visits will I have?
A: Patients will be instructed to schedule according to the discretion of the therapist following the initial visit, or by the physician's request. Insurances sometimes dictate the number of treatments allowed. Our office staff will coordinate this and work with the patient and the therapist to see that the insurance plan guidelines are followed.
Q: Do the therapists in the clinic have specialty areas of treatment?
A: Our staff has collectively over fifty years of experience, allowing for input on difficult cases to provide efficient and effective treatments and outcomes.
Additional Resources and Articles
How Neck Pain Can Cause Headaches
How Posture Can Cause Neck Pain While Sitting at the Computer
The Pain in Your Foot Could be Plantar Fascitis—How to Treat It
