Frequently Asked Questions

Our physical therapists are dedicated, highly educated, licensed health care professionals who help patients improve or restore their mobility. In many cases, we help our patients reduce their pain, avoid the need for surgery, and mitigate the long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.

Have questions about our services? Check out our list of frequently asked questions.

• Why should I choose physical therapy over other types of management?

  Physical therapists are experts in proficiently evaluating and appropriately treating a patient’s musculoskeletal conditions safely and effectively. State licensure is required in each state where a physical therapist practices. All PT’s have graduated from an accredited program at the baccalaureate and most often post-baccalaureate level. All have extensive clinical training and are required to take continuing education to maintain his/ her license. In general, physical therapists apply research and other proven techniques to help people get back in motion and move forward with their lives.
  ~ American Physical Therapy Association www.moveforwardpt.com

• Can I have my physical therapy at Rehability even If my doctor’s referral has a different clinic name on it?

  You are the most important member of your health care team and as such you have the freedom to choose your own health care provider- that includes PT. Your physician may refer you to a facility for a variety of reasons, but you are never obligated to receive physical therapy in any specific facility. Always insist that your PT be provided by a licensed physical therapist. Remember that physical therapists who are members of APTA are bound by the Association’s Code of Ethics and are especially committed to providing competent and compassionate care.
  ~ American Physical Therapy Association www.moveforwardpt.com

• Do I need a referral from my primary doctor in order to work with PT?

  Montana is a ‘direct access’ state for physical therapy. This means that you have a right to access PT care without a referral. For this reason, a referral is not always necessary in order for you to work with PT. The across the board exception to this rule applies for those patients who are being treated following a work injury. Otherwise, each insurance company/ plan has its own regulations regarding physician referrals. If you would like your insurance to pay for physical therapy services, it is important for you to contact your insurance company directly. Verify whether or not a referral is necessary for PT benefits to be paid out. If insurance is not available, you do not need a referral.

• How do I know if physical therapy will help me?

  Working with you, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today to discuss your current condition and even set up a free consultation if you choose.

• Should I seek physical therapy if I have been injured in a car accident or at work?

  We also provide services for patients who have been involved in motor vehicle or other type accidents and need to bill an attorney or other insurance carriers. We will submit the bill for your physical therapy services directly to your insurance company or administrator. If there is a secondary insurance plan, we will also bill that directly.

• What should I wear to PT?

  You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes in which you can move or be moved easily. (Note we do have a small selection of shorts and hospital gowns for you to borrow as well as a private restroom/ changing room for your conveinance.)

• What should I expect during my first PT visit?

  After completing the intake paperwork, your physical therapist will come greet you and bring you to a more private area to begin your initial PT evaluation. Some time is spent simply gathering information regarding the reason for your visit, your current functional status, and your general medical history. Your PT will work with you through a series of movements and special tests to help identify the source of your problem and the best course of treatment. Treatment will likely include some combination of the following: manual therapy techniques; specialized exercises; development of a home program; review of your body mechanics for everyday activities; and/ or the use of modalities. We are committed to your successful outcome therefore we believe every patient should fully understand the mechanics of his/her injury, how to appropriately modify daily activities or work requirements, and how to best manage the injury on a daily basis/ prevent it in the future.

  At Rehability we will work with you on developing a therapy plan that balances your financial and time restraints while allowing you to achieve your physical therapy goals.

• What should I bring to my first PT visit?

  Please arrive at your initial appointment 10-15 minutes early in order to complete the necessary intake paperwork. (Note that you are always welcome to download these forms ahead of time at Patient Intake Forms
  Please bring your health insurance card and a photo ID, preferably your driver’s license.
  Please feel free to bring in any radiology records or reports from another clinicians relevant to your appointment.
  Please come to your PT appointment dressed in comfortable clothes.
  As mentioned above, Montana is a Direct Access state for physical therapy; however if you do have a physician referral, please bring it to your initial appointment.

• Will my insurance cover physical therapy?

  Rehability is a participating provider with most major insurance companies.
  The amount your plan will pay is based on your individual plan benefits. We do require payment at the time of service for the anticipated co-payment or co-insurance related to your plan, but we will gladly submit the claim on your behalf.

  While we can assist you in verifying benefits, we do encourage you to personally contact your insurance carrier to fully understand your individual outpatient physical therapy benefits. It is important to remember that benefits can vary greatly and are never guaranteed over the phone.

• What is direct access?

  Direct access refers your ability to access a physical therapist’s services without the referral of a physician. The rationale behind Direct Access is that mandating a referral prior to PT treatment may cause adverse delays in the provision of physical therapy services. Such delays could then result in higher medical costs, decreased function outcomes, and hardships to patients seeking physical therapy treatment. Further, it is important to note that physical therapists are trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and/ or function in daily life. Physical therapists are well qualified to recognize when patients demonstrate conditions that should be evaluated by other healthcare professionals. PT has a proven track record of effectively treating millions of patients.
  ~ American Physical Therapy Association www.moveforwardpt.com

• What is physical therapy?

  Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.

  While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, your physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.

• Can I go to any physical therapy I choose?

  As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. At Rehability for Pain, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you need. We pride ourselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.

• How do I schedule an appointment

  Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or simply fill out the schedule appointment form on this page.

• What should I bring to my first appointment?

  Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

  To bring on your first visit:

  • A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.

• Will it hurt?

  Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

• Does insurance cover my treatment?

  Yes, in most cases it does. Our office will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.

• What if I don’t have insurance?

  For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.  We are always willing to work with you to get you the treatment that you need.

• What type of payment do you accept?

  We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

• What do I wear?

  Dress comfortably with clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas. For treatments, loose fitting clothes that are comfortable are optimal.

• How long will my therapy sessions last?

  Each treatment session is typically around 60 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.

• How many sessions will I have?

  Each patient’s diagnosis is different, as is each individual, your therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you. Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by your physical therapist, the duration and treatment will be modified as needed to achieve maximum results for your situation.

• What types of education/training do your therapists have?

  Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the year of graduation, the physical therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

• Do you offer programs for me once I’m better?

  Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program. If needed, we can make arrangements to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery and to prevent further problems from arising. Monthly or bi-monthly manual therapy maintenance programs are also available.