Frequently Asked Questions

Telehealth

• How do virtual appointments work?

  Click here for this informational PDF!

• Is this covered by insurance?

  • The initial virtual screen is 100% free of charge. Additionally some insurers are covering physical therapy virtually. We can tell you during your screen if your insurance covers it.

• What Physical Therapy services can I get?

  • Your pain is unique to your situation.
  • That’s why we don’t use the same treatment on everyone. Your dedicated physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan just for you, and then work with you so that you get the maximum benefit for the time you put in.

• Do I need a referral for a virtual appointments?

  • Not necessarily! While some of our patients have a doctor’s referral, we will let you know when you contact us to schedule.

• Which Physical Therapy clinics participate?

  All Capitol Physical Therapy clinics offer Telehealth Screens. You can also visit any Capitol Physical Therapy location.

• Do I need to see a therapist in person?

  • We realize that our health equals our patients’ health- The risk of patients coming into our clinics is the risk of our own health. We wouldn’t put patients in harm’s way, just like we wouldn’t put our families in an unsafe environment.
  • PT is the best choice for helping patients get out of pain, or to keep moving, and to keep patients from needing pain medications, surgery, or extensive imaging.
  • PT also helps patients keep healthcare costs down and stay out of the doctor’s office, by keeping them from needing medications, surgery, or imaging.
  • The best PT needs to be done in person. If PT was just a bunch of exercises, a personal trainer or the gym staff could do it. Our Physical therapists use the latest science and put their hands-on patients to diagnose and treat symptoms. They touch, educate, and counsel. They manipulate and mobilize joints and tissues.

• Is it safe to come to Physical Therapy?

  Yes. Here’s exactly why…

  • We understand that patients may not want to visit our PT clinic unless they feel certain it will help and that they will be safe and protected. That’s why we are offering initial screens via telehealth
  • We are continually monitoring CDC, WHO and local health department guidance to keep the most up-to-date Safety and Health policies and practices.
  • Our front desk team screens patients for symptoms and exposure to COVID-19. Patients who meets these criteria will not be re-scheduled until after a two-week symptom-free incubation period, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
  • In line with social distancing recommendations, we are keeping patients separate from each other as much as possible.
  • We wash our hands before and after contact with every patient.
  • All staff members wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
  • We are continuing our routine environmental cleaning and using personal protective equipment as recommended by the CDC and our local health department.
  • We are sanitizing equipment and surfaces patients contact between patients.
  • Our clinics are stocked with hand sanitizer and tissues.
  • If a staff member is ill, she/he stays home.

• Why should I use a Virtual Option for an Initial Screen?

  • Physical therapy is more effective, less invasive and less expensive than traditional health care treatment options.
  • Patients who get physical therapy right away are less likely to need specialist appointments, surgery, MRIs, and other expensive diagnostic procedures. And they spend less, an average of $4,500 less over the course of care.
  • Finally, physical therapy patients are less likely to need prescription pain killers.
  • The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that PT patients are 35% less likely to be prescribed opioids, even if they only come for one visit. Great news, since opioids are highly addictive and don’t treat pain – they only mask it.

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