Frequently Asked Questions
What types of injuries are treated at Adherence Therapy and Wellness?
We treat many types of injuries here at ATW. They can be new or old, involving your arms, legs, trunk, or neck. Our specialty is treating headaches and jaw pain. What sets ATW apart is that we not only treat the pain, but we dig deep to uncover what causes the pain to continually happen. If you’re not sure that we’re the right place for you and your injury, contact us and we can set up a call with a physical therapist to figure out if we’re a good fit for you!
Why should I see a physical therapist if I’m not injured?
Physical therapy has become synonymous with rehabilitation from an injury, but that is only a small part of what a physical therapist can offer! Many injuries arise from repetitive use of a “dysfunctional” movement pattern that people don’t even know they have. Physical therapists can identify that “dysfunctional" movement and the injuries that you are at risk for because of it. Once identified, the physical therapist can guide you to correct that movement to reduce your chance of injury. This is especially important right before starting a new activity or exercise routine!
Do I need a referral or prescription to receive treatment?
No! This is a common misconception, but physical therapists are able to practice without a physician referral. We still do accept referrals or prescriptions for physical therapy, but they are not required. If you have an injury or pain, you can now call a physical therapist and set up the appointment yourself without having to go to a doctor’s visit beforehand. This has been very helpful in getting injuries seen and initiating treatment sooner, which research has shown is one of the most important factors to a speedy recovery.
Why don’t you accept insurance at Adherence Therapy and Wellness? And how is that actually better for me as a patient than going to an “in-network” clinic?
Sadly, insurance companies have been raising their premiums, co-pays, and deductibles, meaning patients are having to pay more out-of-pocket expenses for services “covered” by insurance. While patients are paying more now, PT clinics are getting less reimbursement from the insurance companies. What many clinics have done to stay afloat while taking insurance is to shorten the time of treatment sessions and/or book more patients. Meaning if you are receiving treatment, you are likely scheduled with one or more other people at the same time as you. In addition to that, insurance companies can also decide to reimburse some services and not others, even if the physical therapists believe it is what is best for the patients. This often limits the treatment a patient will be able to receive because insurance-based companies discourage physical therapists from providing services that are not covered by insurance.
We refuse to allow insurance companies to keep us from giving you 100% of the care you deserve. We provide hour-long, one on one evaluation and treatment sessions from a licensed physical therapist for every visit, and we are not constrained by the limitations of insurance when it comes to selecting the treatment we determine is best for you. When you entrust your care to us, you can know that we are not swayed by an external source and that the only people influencing your care are you and your physical therapist.
Even more, coming to see us can actually be CHEAPER than going to an in-network clinic! It seems counter-intuitive, but it’s true. A typical in-network clinic will schedule you for 2-3 times per week for 6-12 weeks depending on your injury. With co-pays exceeding $50-$75 per visit these days, that can be around $1,400 on average. Not to mention, if you haven’t met your deductible yet, you could end up receiving a bill in the mail months later for the full amount which could be several thousand dollars! All for service that is restricted by insurance.
Because we spend more time with each patient and can provide care that is in no way restricted by insurance, we are able to get you better faster and with fewer visits. We will be completely transparent with the pricing of your care, so you will have no surprise bills or fees.
Could I personally send my insurance a bill for reimbursement of my out-of-pocket expenses?
In many cases, yes! For our physical therapy services, we can provide you with documentation and receipts that you can send to your insurance company to request reimbursement for the services for which you have already paid. Insurance companies have been known to sometimes reimburse for some if not all of the services that you have already received. If this is something that you are planning on doing, let us know at your initial evaluation, and we can ensure that you have the documents that you require.
What is dry needling and what is it used for?
Dry needling is a service we provide from our physical therapist who is certified in the practice. Small, monofilament needles are used to target problem areas that are causing pain or tightness. The treatment encourages relaxation of tight muscles and increased blood flow to the area to encourage healing.
What are your hours of operation?
We take pride in providing services at times that work for you. That means our schedule varies and is very flexible to meet your needs outside of work hours and on the weekends. When you contact us, let us know what times would work best for you, and we will do our best to make that work!
Have more questions?
Contact us with questions you might have, and we will help in any way we can.