Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Physical Therapy?
In Rhode Island, you do not need to have a physician referral to see a physical therapist. However, if you will be paying for therapy via your insurance or Medicare, you will most likely need to obtain a referral from your physician, podiatrist, dentist or chiropractor in order to have physical therapy benefits covered.
Do you call my insurance to verify coverage for physical therapy visits?
Yes. We will call to verify your insurance benefits for physical therapy. We do, however, recommend that you check with your insurance carrier to see if you have a limit to the number of PT visits allowed each year.
How much will I have to pay for each therapy visit?
You will be responsible for your co-pay or co-insurance, depending on your insurance plan. Your therapist can give you an estimate of anticipated charges once you are evaluated.
Can I come to Warwick Physical Therapy Institute with a prescription from a doctor who is not a member of Franklin E. Mirrer, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Inc?
By all means!! We are happy to see patients from outside referral sources and will be just as thorough in our communication with your physician from another practice as we are with our doctors.
What should I wear to my first physical therapy visit?
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you are coming in for a shoulder or neck injury, please bring or wear a tank top or loose fitting t-shirt so that your therapist can assess the effected body part. If you are coming in for knee pain, please wear or bring shorts or pants that are stretchy enough to pull up above the knees.
How long will each therapy visit last?
Typically, your first visit will require about an hour. Follow-up visits will be 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much therapy you require each visit.
Will you contact my doctor if I need more therapy than originally prescribed?
Yes. We will take care of sending all documentation to your physician and to your insurance carrier to ensure that your therapy is not interrupted.
What is the difference between and Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapy Assistant?
Both are licensed professionals and are responsible for the direct care of a patient receiving physical therapy. A Physical Therapist has the added responsibility of providing the initial evaluation, determining the plan of care that is to be provided, and altering the plan of care as needed in response to therapy treatment.
How much physical therapy will I need?
The amount of physical therapy each patient needs depends on a number of factors including the severity of the injury, the overall health of the patient, and the patient’s ability and willingness to participate in a home exercise program to name a few. Most patients begin to see improvement in just a few visits, but may require more therapy to reach their maximum potential.
