Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?
What is the difference between a doctor’s prescription and an insurance referral?

Your First Visit

What can I expect at my first visit?
Should I bring a list of my medications?
What should I wear?

Continuing Therapy

Should I take my pain medication before I come to PT?
How long will the visit take?
Will my therapist communicate with my MD regarding my treatment?
I had physical therapy a year ago, and now I’m having the same problem. Do I still need to see my doctor before I can return to therapy?

Billing

Will my insurance pay for PT?
Do I have to make my co-pay at the time of each visit, or can I be billed at the end of my treatment?

What credentials do therapists require?

Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?

Yes. Physical Therapy performed in the state of Illinois requires a prescription from a licensed physician.
Download a Prescription Form for your doctor.
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What is the difference between a doctor’s prescription and an insurance referral?

A prescription is a Doctor's Order stating a need for Physical Therapy. It commonly suggests a treatment plan or protocol. An insurance referral is a separate authorization from your health insurance provider that authorizes both treatment length and number of visits and may be necessary for payment.
Download a Prescription Form for your doctor.
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What can I expect at my first visit?

Your first appointment will last approximately 1 hour and consist of an initial evaluation and treatment. The initial evaluation will consist of a medical history, postural assessment, movement assessment, and special tests (as indicated by your complaints, condition, and diagnosis). A treatment program will then be initiated based on the results of the initial evaluation.

You should bring your insurance card, a photo ID, prescription, legal information (if applicable), and Workers Compensation information (if applicable) to your initial appointment.
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What should I wear?

You should wear comfortable clothing. For instance, if you are presenting with a problem of your cervical spine, upper back or shoulders, the therapist can provide you with a gown as needed to expose these areas. If you are coming for a knee-leg-ankle-foot problem, shorts are important. Alternatively, you can bring clothing with you and change when you arrive.
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Should I bring a list of my medications?

Yes, a complete list of medications you are taking is needed for your patient record. Medication name, dosage and reason you are taking it is helpful. It is important your therapist have this information in order to modify, defer and/or add appropriate treatment techniques that may be effected by certain medications.
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Should I take my pain medication before I come to PT?

Taking pain medication before PT may make your treatment more tolerable, but you should only take your medications as prescribed and follow all directions/precautions as indicated. You will also want to discuss the need for pain medication with your physical therapist, as pain is very individual.
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How long will each visit take?

You should discuss this with your therapist at the initial evaluation. Treatment times with the physical therapist are generally 30 minutes.
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Will my therapist communicate with my MD regarding my treatment?

Yes. Your physical therapist will send progress reports to your physician, prior to your next physician visit. Your physical therapy will also call your physician as needed. Please be sure to notify your therapist of any upcoming appointments you have with your physician.
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I had physical therapy a year ago, and now I’m having the same problem. Do I still need to see my doctor before I can return to therapy?

Physical therapists are required by law to have an updated, current prescription from your physician. You should contact your physician and let him determine if you need to be seen by him but a signed prescription is necessary prior to initiating physical therapy treatment.
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The filing of insurance claims is a courtesy extended to the patient’s of Colletti SportsMed Physical Therapy. Your insurance carrier will be responsible for a specific portion of the bill and you will be responsible for any unpaid balance (including co-payment, deductible, etc). We therefore request that you make payment to us to comply with your insurance agreement.

All payments may be made by check, cash, or credit card.  

Everyone at Colletti SportsMed Physical Therapy from the office staff to the therapist is friendly and easy to talk to. Please discuss any financial concerns you may have with them.
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Will my insurance pay for Physical Therapy?

Payment for physical therapy services depends on your individual insurance policy. We will be happy to assist you in determining if your insurance covers physical therapy. If you are calling your insurance company to verify coverage you may need to mention both Colletti SportsMed Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services Network (RSN) as your physical therapy provider. We are a member/provider of Rehabilitation Services Network (RSN), an organization that represents a group of physical therapy practices for the purpose of obtaining insurance contracts. Your insurance company may have Colletti SportsMed Physical Therapy listed under Rehabilitation Services Network RSN.

You may see Rehabilitation Services Network on your insurance company’s explanation of benefits (EOB). Should you be unsure as to whether we are providers in your network, please call and we will be happy to help you.

After scheduling your first appointment, we will verify benefits with your insurance carrier to establish if you have a physical therapy visit maximum per year, and if you are responsible for deductible, co-insurance or co-pays.

Please note that payment information provided by your insurance company is not a guarantee of payment.
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Do I have to make my co-pay at the time of each visit, or can I be billed at the end of my treatment?

We ask that co-pays be made at the time of your appointment. We recommend that you verify your insurance benefits to confirm whether you are responsible for co- insurance, co-payments, or deductibles.

What credentials do therapists require?

All physical therapists must graduate from an accredited physical therapy program at the university level. As a graduate, the physical therapist must pass a National State Board Licensure Examination and possess an active state license from the state in which they practice. Therapists are required by the State Board of Professional Regulation to maintain and increase their level of education through continuing education courses each year.
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