You have a script from your doctor to start Physical Therapy! So, now what?
The first step would be choosing a place to do your therapy. In Illinois, patients have the ability to choose their therapy location. While many factors may be taken into consideration, doing your physical therapy at your surgeons office offers many advantages.
Decatur Orthopedic Center offers on site physical therapy. One of the main advantages is the direct communication between your therapist and your surgical team. If concerns arise, our therapists will notify the surgeon and actions can be taken much quicker.
On a routine basis, our surgeons will be present during the therapy sessions to observe progress that is impossible without being on site.
We have two therapists on staff here, Rachelle Parra, PT, CMTPT and Sydney Miller, PTA. We work as a part of the DOC team to make sure you get the comprehensive care that will get you back to your best life as soon as possible. We work with our doctors daily and keep them updated on their patients' progress. As we expand in 2021, we plan to add on more clinicians and expand our services available.
One of the challenges regarding physical therapy is managing the physical therapy benefits associated with each individual patient’s plan. Our team at DOC will help our patients navigate this issue so that no unforeseen financial surprises occur. We will verify your coverage to ensure we are an In-Network Provider. We also encourage our patients to call and determine what their out-of-pocket expenses will be directly with their insurance plan support line.
The first appointment is called an Initial Evaluation. This is required by insurances and our State Practice Act. The purpose of this visit is to examine our patients and establish a treatment plan. This is completed by a Licensed Physical Therapist. The plan of care will be discussed with you directly and your physician will be sent an Initial Evaluation Report. This Initial Evaluation usually take about an hour and end with you receiving a Home Exercise Program.
Follow-up appointments for treatment will be made in order to achieve the goals of therapy specific to each patient’s unique condition. Often, your surgeon will order physical therapy at a specific frequency such as twice per week for 6 weeks or 3 timers per week for 4 weeks. Our physical therapist will make all reasonable accommodations to achieve the rehabilitation goals set by your physician.
As our patients progress through therapy, we will adjust your treatments as needed based upon how you are feeling and how quickly you reach your rehab goals.
During the course of physical therapy, your therapists will do Progress Evaluations which will be sent to your physician and the insurance company. Specifically, we will provide Outcomes Assessment and updated measurements for motion, strength, and other specific tests/measures.
From start of care to the last day of treatment, we communicate with your Doctor about anything pertaining to your condition we are treating, most especially with our own DOC Doctors. We are a part of your comprehensive healthcare team whose sole interest is in helping you live your best life.
Thank you for choosing Decatur Orthopedic Center and please contact us for any further clarification or to get started on your Physical Therapy at 217-864-2665, extension 6.
Learn to stretch and strengthen your shoulder, using simple, low-tech exercises that you can perform without assistance.
Let's Go!
