FAQ
General
What Are Your Fees?
ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness accepts Medicare and many other insurances. In most cases, you can receive our full services and treatment with no out-of-pocket costs. Deductibles and copays do apply. If you think you might be a good candidate, click here to set up an appointment.
Can my physical therapist diagnose me?
When you arrive for your first appointment at ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness, your physical therapist will conduct a physical evaluation to determine the severity of your injury or illness. Through a thorough assessment, your therapist will be able to pinpoint precisely what is causing your pain.
Your physical therapist may work with your physician to diagnose you. This will ensure your diagnosis is accurate and takes your medical history into account.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.
- Please print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you if you are able. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
- Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
- A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster’s contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
What office policies should I be aware of?
If you cannot make it to your appointment due to illness or another emergency, our clinic requests that you call us at least 24 hours before your appointment time to let us know. Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled will result in a non-refundable charge of $50 dollars.
We also ask that if you have a current positive COVID-19 test, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, that’s okay. Our clinic will never turn a patient away for this reason! For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee due at the time of service. Please contact our Hawley, White Mills, and Hamlin, PA clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.
Insurance will, in most situations, pay a significant amount, if not all, of your treatment costs.
Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our (local) physical therapy office. For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.
How long is each appointment going to be?
Although every patient is different, each session could last 60-90 minutes.
The length of time will be determined by your unique needs, which our therapist will discuss with you. You’ll probably see your therapist once or twice a week, with your appointments becoming more spaced out as you proceed through treatment.
How can I make an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment at ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness in Hawley, White Mills, Hamlin, PA, and the neighboring areas of Lake Ariel and Honesdale is easier than ever! Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Contact us today or click here to request an appointment.
How is my progress measured?
Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physical therapy program is the most visible approach to gauge your improvement and progress. You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?
The ability to visit a physical therapist without a prescription or referral is called Direct Access. No prescription for physical therapy? No problem!
Direct Access allows you to go directly to a physical therapist without a physician’s prescription or referral. All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs.
In other words, the government made it acceptable for individuals to go straight to a physical therapy clinic of their choice and receive the resources and treatment they require.
Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?
Thanks to Direct Access laws, you can! The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.” This means you can choose what clinic you want to receive treatment from without waiting for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. No referral or prescription is necessary!
Physical Therapy
If I Want To Continue With Physical Therapy Sessions After My Pain Is Gone, Can I Do So?
We continue to treat our patients until the underlying cause of the pain is gone. This may mean sessions after the pain has subsided to allow muscles to strengthen to prevent the pain from returning.
When will I start noticing relief?
Because each patient’s diagnosis is unique, many patients notice a decrease in their pain on their first visit.
During your first visit, your physical therapist will determine your treatment plan and the number of visits required. If you have any questions about the duration of your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to your physical therapist. Our team is here to support you and answer your questions.
Do you treat my condition at your clinic?
You can be confident that our therapists are well-trained to assess and treat your condition.
Our physical therapists are state-licensed and have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs with a master’s or a doctorate level degree, depending on the university.
Physical therapists have received years of university-level education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. You’re in capable hands!
What should I know about physical therapy?
It’s critical to understand that the overall goal of physical therapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while also preventing the injury or pain from recurring.
Our physical therapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it completely.
Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They collaborate with physicians to ensure that your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible. Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.
While each patient’s condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to quickly relieve pain and restore function.
Do PT treatments hurt?
Physical therapy is intended to relieve pain, not cause it. However, there is a chance that your pain levels will fluctuate as you regain mobility. You may experience some temporary soreness as a result of using weakened or recovering muscles. Rest assured that this is a normal reaction to physical therapy treatment and should not be interpreted as a cause for concern.
Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physical therapy treatments. We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Can I benefit from PT treatments?
You certainly can! Everyone can benefit from physical therapy. We can discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is the right choice for you by working with you and your doctor. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.
Where can I find a physical therapist?
Our Hawley, White Mills, and Hamlin, PA physical therapy clinic takes pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals and leading a pain-free life.
You have the right to seek physical therapy at any facility of your choosing. You will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you seek at ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness.
How does physical therapy differ for older adults?
Age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance increase the risk of falls. At our Hawley, White Mills, and Hamlin, PA clinic, we will work together with you to investigate your medical history and determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk.
At ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness, we understand that as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks. Our bodies begin to notice the “wear and tear” that has developed throughout the years, causing us to slow down and putting us at risk for health conditions.
Luckily, physical therapy can help soothe some of the health conditions that your body may experience with age. If you are looking for pain relief, ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness can help! Call our office today for more information.
Why does physical therapy take longer than I thought?
Everyone is different, and so is every pain condition! At ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness, you will have access to a personalized treatment plan created based on your individual needs and goals. Throughout your recovery process, our team will provide constant feedback and allow refinement of your program to ensure it provides optimal results. This may take weeks or months.
We will keep you updated on your progress throughout each session. If you have any questions or concerns about the length of your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to ask your physical therapist. We are here to help you by providing clarity throughout this process.
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Please give us a call to verify your insurance benefits. We will try to provide you with an estimate of coverage.
To prepare for your first appointment, please do the following:
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you if you are able. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork to maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
- Bring your insurance information for us to make a copy for your file.
- If you have a prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA, please bring that as well.
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster’s contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
How is my physical therapy treatment progress tracked?
You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.
Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physical therapy program is the most visible approach to gauge your improvement and progress.
How is physical therapy different at ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness?
Here at ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness, we believe in personalized treatment plans for each and every patient. No two patients are the same, so why should treatment plans be? When you visit our clinic, you will undergo physical testing to get to the root cause of your injury or illness.
Your physical therapist may ask you questions about your medical history or ask you to perform certain movements or exercises so they can witness any issues firsthand. From there, your therapist will devise your personalized treatment plan. This may include modalities such as joint mobilization, manual therapy, or therapeutic exercise.
What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?
Dress comfortably in clothes that allow the therapist easy access to your problem areas.
Loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises, as well as supportive sneakers, are often good choices for treatments.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment at ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness in Hawley, White Mills, Hamlin, PA, and the neighboring areas of Lake Ariel and Honesdale has never been easier or more convenient.
We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.
Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. Contact us today or click here to request an appointment.
How can I pay for each session?
Before your first visit, your insurance benefits will be determined, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is required on that date.
Cash, check, debit card, and a credit card are all accepted. We are also happy to discuss payment plans. It is our policy to collect payment at the time of service.
Do I need my doctor to refer me to receive physical therapy treatment?
Don’t have a prescription for physical therapy? No problem!
Thanks to Direct Access laws, the government allows individuals to go straight to a physical therapy clinic of their choice and receive the resources and treatment they require.
Direct Access allows you to go directly to a physical therapist without the need for a physician’s prescription or referral. All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physical therapy services and programs.
.
Can I choose any physical therapy clinic for treatment?
Thanks to Direct Access laws, yes, you can choose!
The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.”
In other words, this means you can choose what clinic you want to receive treatment from without having to wait for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. No referral or prescription is necessary for this!
What do physical therapists do?
Our physical therapists evaluate and treat all types of discomfort and pain. Our team is composed of movement experts who have the knowledge and training to diagnose, evaluate, and treat any musculoskeletal condition that comes their way.
We play a leading role in preventing, reversing, and managing injuries that are old and new. Every program is designed based on your individual needs. We use objective measurements to determine the severity of your injuries and build your program accordingly
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Will pediatric therapy hurt?
Physical therapy is intended to treat painful injuries and conditions, not cause pain. Depending on the condition your child has, they may experience some temporary soreness as a result of using weakened or recovering muscles.
Rest assured that this is a normal reaction to physical therapy treatment and should not be interpreted as a cause for concern. If you have any concerns about your child’s treatment, don’t hesitate to speak to their physical therapist. We are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.
What if my child is feeling sick?
ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness wants to ensure the safety of our employees and other patients. If your child is feeling sick, please notify our office as soon as possible to reschedule their appointment.
What should I expect from the initial evaluation?
When you first meet with a physical therapist, you will be asked to discuss your child’s developmental milestones such as sitting up, crawling, and walking and at what age your child reached them. Your child’s therapist will want to hear about the concerns you have or the reason why you brought your child in.
After these discussions, your therapist will perform a physical examination to witness firsthand any developmental issues or delays. Your therapist may also observe your child doing things such as playing with toys, standing, sitting, moving, and making transitions between activities.
After your therapist has had a chance to observe your child, the two of you will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for your child.
What do I need to bring to my child’s first appointment?
There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.
- If you are able, please print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you. If you are unable to do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card). - A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- If you are able, please print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you. If you are unable to do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card). - A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster’s contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.
How do I get my child into pediatric therapy treatment?
The first step is to discuss your concerns with your child’s doctor and request a referral to a pediatric therapist for an initial evaluation.
You can then contact our office to set up an evaluation for your child. The therapist will then evaluate your child and develop an individualized plan of care for them. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call our clinic today.
What happens in a therapy session?
Your child’s physical therapy treatment plan will be completely unique to their needs. Therefore, no two sessions between patients will be exactly the same.
Your child’s therapy may involve play, like jumping, climbing, or dancing. Other treatments may focus on specific tasks like getting dressed, eating on their own, or holding a crayon or pencil correctly for writing. Your child will be supported and encouraged by their therapist throughout the session.
How does physical therapy differ for children?
Children can experience a wide range of physical and behavioral problems from a very early age, from autism or speech disorders to physical challenges, such as nerve or muscle problems.
Pediatric physical therapy can treat a surprisingly broad range of such conditions, many of which may need to be diagnosed by a pediatric physician before consulting with our physical therapists. These conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Autism
- Neurological injuries, including nerve damage and brain injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, strains, sprains, etc.)
- Neurological disorders, such as hydrocephalus, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy
- Musculoskeletal disorders, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hypotonia (lax muscle tone), and hypertonia (excessive muscle tone)
In-Home Physical Therapy
What Types Of Settings Do You Work In?
We primarily see patients in our clinics in Hawley, white mills, and Hamlin, however, we do also see patients in their homes if they are unable to travel to our clinic.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy helps treat a wide range of orthopedic injuries and conditions, including scoliosis, knee pain, Parkinson’s disease, TMJ dysfunction, and more.
Physical therapists are trained medical experts when it comes to musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They work closely with physicians to make sure that your treatment plan is as efficient and effective as possible.
Rest assured, our therapists are well trained to evaluate and treat your condition. You are in good hands!
Appointment Scheduling
Our scheduling is easy! Contact us today or click here to request an appointment. There are a variety of appointment times available to accommodate your busy schedule.
How Do I Know If My Insurance Plan Covers Physical Therapy?
We will verify your insurance coverage and let you know the details once we receive your information.
Is ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness The Best Choice For Medicare Patients?
Yes. Our therapy is specific to older adults and not applicable to any other patient population, so we are the best choice for anyone on Medicare Part B. We fill the gap for Medicare patients who are not homebound, as well as for those who would find it more convenient and more beneficial to receive therapy at home instead of traveling to an outpatient facility.
Do I need a Prescription From My Doctor For Physical Therapy?
Yes. Patients with Medicare will require a prescription from their doctor before the initial evaluation. The patient can either contact his or her doctor first and ask for a prescription to be faxed over to us, or the patient can contact us directly, and we can secure a prescription from the doctor.
What does at-home physical therapy look like?
At ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness, we understand that some patients find it difficult to leave the house to attend physical therapy. That’s why we offer at-home physical therapy services to help you regain your functionality in the comfort of your own space.
Whether you are unable to leave the house or simply desire a private PT session in your home, our therapists will travel to you and come equipped with everything you need. You can still receive extremely high-quality care with ElmTree Physical Therapy and Wellness without ever needing to leave your home. Get started today.