What is the initial evaluation?

Please arrive 10-15 minute prior to your evaluation in order to complete the appropriate paper work. You can download the paperwork from our website and have filled out prior to appointment to make the process easier.  At that time, our office staff will review your benefits quoted from your insurance provider.  During your first visit, your therapist will conduct an initial evaluation to assess your current condition.  Your initial evaluation may consist of objective findings and diagnostic testing followed by an appropriate treatment plan, a home-exercise program, and discussing the length and frequency of your therapy. A copy of your Initial Evaluation will be sent to your physician.  Please plan for one hour to one hour and a half hour for the initial evaluation.

What should I wear to my initial evaluation?

Wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in (i.e. don’t wear high heels!) If you are coming for an orthopedic appointment, bring shorts and a t-shirt – it will be easier for the therapist to examine you.

How often and how long will I be in therapy?

Unfortunately, we cannot predict your treatment frequency or length without a full examination of your medical history and a full assessment. Your treatment plan will be discussed during your initial evaluation. Your treatment plan may need to be amended during your therapy depending on your recovery speed and time.

Will you be in contact with my physician during therapy?

We are in contact with your physician continuously throughout your therapy. We send your physician a copy of the initial evaluation as well as a progress note every 4 weeks. Make sure to write down all of your physicians on your Patient Information Form (including any general practitioners, ENTs, neurologists), so that we can make sure to be in contact with all of your physicians.

What happens if I am running late?

If you are running late, please call and let us know so that we can accommodate your schedule.  We ask that you be on time to all appointments; however, we do understand that situations arrive where you may be late. To avoid a $30 cancellation fee, please give us 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment. If charged, you will be responsible for payment at your next scheduled visit.

What is LifeStyle’s cancellation policy?

Please give us 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment to avoid a $30 cancellation fee. If 24 hours notice is not given, the $30 cancellation fee will be collected at your next appointment.

I have insurance. What do I have to pay?

As a courtesy we will verify your benefits with your insurance company. Your insurance will provide us a quote of your financial responsibility. Your benefits may include the following:

  • A CO-PAY is a small amount you have to pay to access medical care according to insurance contract.  It might be a fixed amount ($10-$25). Medicare patients don’t pay a co-pay “up front” but you maybe responsible for a small portion of the bill.
  • A CO-INSURANCE is a percentage determined by insurance plans as. Patient responsibility, once the insurance processes the claim
  • An INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE is the amount the insured is required and obligated to pay by the insurance policy before the insurance will pay their portion of co-insurance.
  • A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION is a physical condition of an insured person which existed prior to the issuance of the policy.
  • A PRE-CERTIFICATION AUTHORIZATION is a cost containment technique which requires physicians to submit a treatment plan and an estimated bill prior to providing treatment. This allows the insurer to evaluate the appropriateness of the procedures, and lets the insured and the physician know in advance which procedures are covered and at what rates benefits will be paid.
  • A patient’s MAXIMUM THERAPY BENEFITS are a dollar amount or a number of visits that the insurance company as approved for therapy. Once the patient has reached this max the insurance company will no longer pay for treatment.
  • Physical therapy MODALITIES are a variety of treatments that can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles. They include hot packs, cold packs, ultrasound, TENS, and electric stimulation. Aetna insurance includes manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercises as modalities.  Some insurance companies limit the number of modalities a patient can use per visit.

The front desk coordinator will go over your benefits with you, but you are encouraged to contact the member services, as some policies have limited coverage on physical therapy. Lifestyle will provide you with a list of most likely therapy codes (both physical therapy and diagnostic testing) so that you can ensure coverage for these codes.
Once your visit is complete charges will go to our billing company and then the claim will be filed with your insurance company. Once the claim is paid a monthly statement will be mailed to your address of file. Please note your statement will either be stamped “insurance pending” or “final”; “insurance pending” means that all dates of service have not been paid by the insurance company. For more questions please contact us at 877-233-2588

What is diagnostic testing?

All vestibular testing are considered diagnostic testing. We have a variety of diagnostic tools available to alleviate vestibular pathologies (dizziness, loss of balance). Since these procedures fall in a diagnostic testing service category, instead of physical therapy, your insurance benefits for them may be different from physical therapy.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We also offer out-of-pocket payment options. Please consult the front desk coordinator to discuss this option further.

How Do I pay my bill ?

Make a Payment


How long does the billing process take?

Once you have scheduled your appointment and have provided insurance information, as a courtesy we will verify your health insurance benefits for physical therapy.  Additionally, you will receive a copy of your benefits as quoted from your insurance company to us.   Please note that insurance quotes are not a guarantee of benefits or coverage. The following is intended to help you better understand our billing process:

  • Your therapist will forward your daily charge to our billing office.
  • The billing office then submits these charges to your insurance company for reimbursement.
  • LifeStyle Physical Therapy & Balance Center generally receives payment within 30-60 days.
  • LifeStyle Physical Therapy & Balance Center will provide you with an invoice after your insurance has paid or made a decision on services rendered (usually within 30-60 days).
  • We encourage you to review and confirm your therapy benefits with your insurance company as they may differ from your standard medical coverage.

Please feel free to contact our billing office at 877-283-2588, if you would like a record of your charges prior to you receiving your bill.  Although it may take 30-60 days to receive a bill for your deductible and co-insurance, all co-pays are expected at time of service.   We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Be Sociable, Share!