Please try to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment in order to complete the required forms. You can also download the Client Information Form and the HIPPA Information Privacy Form from this web page, and bring the completed form with you. HIPPA Privacy Policies prevent us from being able to accept an email with the completed forms attached. You can also send them by fax to our business office in Carrboro.
Balanced Physical Therapy prefers to verify your insurance coverage and the amount of co-payment you will be responsible for prior to your visit. In order to verify your insurance coverage, the following information is needed.
- Clients name and date of birth
- Insured person’s name as it appears on the insurance card, date of birth and relationship (spouse, child; if different from the person having the physical therapy appointment)
- Insurance Company
- Phone number for the insurance company (usually found on the back of the card)
- Subscriber, Group or other ID numbers
- Phone number where you can be reached if any questions arise
This information can either be called in or faxed to our main office in Carrboro at 919.942.0280. For detailed inquiries or further questions, please contact our business manager, Anne Marie Schneider at 919.942.0240 office, : 919.244.4947 mobile or amschneider@balancedpt.com.
Medicare requires a physician referral to pay for physical therapy services. If you have medicare insurance, please bring a referral and provide us with the physician’s name and the date of your last visit to the physician.
A few other managed care plans also require a referral, if your plan requires this, we will let you know and assist in obtaining the referral if needed.
initial visit FAQ’s
What other information do I bring with me?
Bring your insurance card, your physician’s referral (if you have one) and any other information that other healthcare provider’s may have given you that relates to the reason of your visit. If you are taking several regular medications, a written list with notation of what each medication addresses is helpful.
What should I expect from the initial appointment?
The initial evaluation will last for an hour. It usually starts with a discussion of the history and nature of the problem and what activities you wish to return to doing. The therapist will do an evaluation that includes performing certain movements and postures as well as a hands- on examination of the painful areas of your body. The findings of the evaluation will be discussed and a plan for treatment and appropriate goals will be agreed upon. During the initial visit, the amount of intervention directed to pain alleviation will vary depending upon severity and your desire for quick relief. Sometimes it is more important to gain a deep understanding of the problem initially and sometimes it is better just to do something to feel better now. We attempt to balance these needs in the initial session to meet your desire.
What should I wear to a physical therapy appointment?
In general, wear or bring with you loose, comfortable clothes. Whatever you would wear to exercise, walk, or lounge around the house is usually fine. We do keep a supply of simple gym shorts and tee shirts on hand in case they are needed. As is the case with most borrowed clothes, the fit may be less than desirable. The most important clothing consideration is your comfort. All of the therapists can adapt to whatever is needed to assure your comfort.
Certain movements and activities cause pain; do I have to do them for the therapist?
You do not need to do anything that you know will increase your pain. Please communicate clearly to your therapist if you have any hesitation in doing movements or assuming positions that your therapist requests. Sometimes there is important diagnostic information that can be gained from reproducing your pain. If this is done, it should be in a very controlled manner with your full consent and the therapists understanding of your concerns.
I’m uncomfortable being touched, how much hands on touching is required?
Manual (hands-on) evaluation and treatment is a standard part of a physical therapy evaluation and treatment sessions. However, it is not necessary if you are not comfortable. Please communicate this clearly to the therapist. There are many ways to evaluate and work on improving a condition that do not require hands on.
Can I change clothes or shower there?
There are two bathrooms and a separate shower that allow ample room for changing clothes at Balanced Physical Therapy. Lockers are available to store your belongings and clothing if you wish. The shower is always available and fully furnished with toiletries, towels and washcloths if you wish to make use of it after a visit.
Is your HIPPA Information Privacy Policy available for review?
Yes, the HIPPA form signed at the initial visit is simply a summary consent form. The full policy is available in the Resources/Documents (link) section of the website for your review.
