FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is my first appointment?
Your first visit will be an initial evaluation and initial treatment session.  It will be approximately 60+ minutes long depending on the diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall health assessment.  Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork or download the patient forms from our website and have them prepared when you arrive.

What should I bring with me on the first appointment? 
Please bring your health insurance card and a prescription from the doctor referring you to physical therapy. Please bring any x-rays, MRIs, or reports that you have had for this condition.  In general, comfortable and loose fitting clothing is most appropriate.  A T-shirt or tank top would be ideal for shoulder diagnoses and shorts for lower extremity diagnoses.

Do I need a prescription/referral for physical therapy? 
The easy answer is no.  Massachusetts allows direct access to physical therapy which means you do not need a referral or prescription to have physical therapy.  However, most insurances require a referral/prescription for reimbursement of physical therapy services.  If you are planning on using your medical insurance to pay for physical therapy services, please call the customer service line on the back of the card to determine if a prescription/referral is necessary and what your copay or deductible will be.

What is the difference between a prescription and a referral? 
A prescription is a written order from your doctor stating a need for physical therapy and may include treatment recommendations. 
A referral is an authorization that is submitted to your insurance company usually by your primary care physician.

Does my insurance cover all costs? 
Unfortunately, most insurance benefits include a copay/coinsurance or deductible.  These costs are determined by your specific insurance plan.  copays are paid at the time of each visit and paid in full by the last visit.  If your plan has a deductible, it is not always known if it has been met.  We will bill you or set up a payment plan when notified by your insurance company.

How frequently do I need to go to physical therapy? 
Generally you will be seen for 2 visits per week depending on your diagnosis.  This will be decided once you and your therapist determine your treatment plan and goals. Follow up appointments will be ~45-90 minutes depending on your diagnosis or plan of care.
 

Do you accept my insurance? 
We accept Tufts, United Healthcare, Harvard Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare currently.  We are continuously contracting with medical insurances so please call us at 978-252-2800 to inquire about whether we accept your insurance or not.