Frequently Asked Questions & Frequently Asked Billing Questions:

1. What is the difference between OT and PT?
   - Physical therapists are most commonly recognized for their work in restoring function of the legs, back, neck, and torso including the shoulder region. Physical therapists also work with wound care. Occupational therapists are most commonly recognized for restoring function of the upper extremity, especially in hand therapy, as well as addressing daily living activities such as dressing and bathing. They also are involved in cognitive training to assist the patient with planning activities of daily living (ADL's). Occupational therapy and Speech therapy often work together to further assist patients with cognitive therapies. In our facility, PT and OT work closely together and professionals with both degrees are trained to help patients with their needs for shoulder rehab, elbow, hand therapy, seating evaluations (for wheelchairs and seating systems used with wheelchairs), ergonomic assessment, and Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's). For further information on PT, OT, or Speech Therapy, we recommend you also check out the website for these professions.
   

   www.apta.org for physical therapy information
   www.aota.org for occupational therapy information
   www.asha.org for speech therapy information

2. What do speech and language pathologists do?
   - A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), also referred to as a Speech Therapist, provides therapy services as a communication specialist. SLPs help individuals develop their communication abilities as well as treat speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders.
   - Individuals of all ages (birth through geriatric population) may have a need of SLP services. Therapy is typically provided on an individual basis in order to provide the best situation for improving communicative and/or swallowing skills.
   
   
3. Do you keep in contact with my doctor?
   -A dictated copy of your initial evaluation is sent to your doctor as well as progress notes before your doctor's visit and at regular intervals. Your therapist will contact your doctor as needed between times.
   
   
4. How often will I come for therapy? How long are the treatments? How long will I need to come to therapy?
   - Sometimes your doctor will decide how often you will come to therapy. Other times your doctor will allow the therapist to determine the frequency of treatments. After your initial evaluation, your therapist will consider your condition and the doctor's order when establishing the frequency of your treatments.
   - The length of a treatment session will vary with each patient. Initial evaluation and treatment lasts approximately one hour with subsequent visits lasting between 30-60 minutes depending on the condition of the patient.
   - You will need to attend therapy sessions until you and your therapist decide that you have reached your desired level of function or that further skilled therapy would not be beneficial. All therapy will be monitored by your physician.
   
   
5. Are you affiliated with either of the hospitals?
   - Prairie Rehabilitation Services is an independent Rehabilitation Agency and is not affiliated with any hospital. We treat patients from a variety of physicians encompassing all hospitals in our area.
   
   
6. Will I see the same therapist every time?
   - Prairie Rehabilitation Services will attempt to schedule you with the therapist you desire to see. However, there may be times when another therapist will treat you due to scheduling conflicts. All Prairie Rehabilitative Services therapists are licensed and enjoy delivering a high quality of care.
   
   
7. What hours is Prairie Rehabilitation Services open?
   - Please click here to go to our Locations page for a complete listing of our hours.
   
   
8. Where are you located?
   - Please click here to go to our Locations page for a complete listing of our locations.
   
   
   
9. Does your clinic have any specialized areas of treatment?
   - Prairie Rehabilitation Services offers specialized therapy treatment in the following areas:

   •Women's health - urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, & pelvic pain
   •Male urinary incontinence
   •Lymphedema
   •ASTYM
   •Hand Splinting
   •Hand therapy
   •Functional Capacity Evaluations
   •Wheelchair seating & positioning with Xsensor pressure mapping system
   •Low back pain
   •Neck pain
   •Headaches
   •Shoulder pain including tendonitis
   •Carpal Tunnel treatment
   •Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
   •Treatment of overuse injuries from the worksite

Frequently Asked Billing Questions

1. Will my insurance pay for therapy?
   -Most insurance companies pay for physical, occupational or speech therapy. A few companies have limited coverage or do not cover occupational or speech therapy. It is always best for you to call the benefit number listed on your insurance card to check on your benefits before you start therapy.
   
   
2. Does Medicare cover therapy?
   -If it is considered medically necessary, Medicare will cover physical, occupational or speech therapy with a written referral from your physician.
   
   
3. Do I need a physician's referral for therapy?
   -Most insurance companies require a physician's referral for therapy, which you need to bring on your first appointment. For example, Medicare requires the patient to be seen every 30 days by their physician to continue with therapy and to receive a written referral



4. Are you a provider of my insurance company?
   -We are a provider of most common insurance companies and their PPO's, however, it is always best to check with your insurance company before making the appointment. Check our listing for plans we participate in.
   
   
5. What is my coverage and/or are there limits on the number of visits?
   -Some insurance companies have a deductible to be met first, some have co-pays and some have both. Some insurance companies also require a prior authorization before starting any therapy. The majority of insurance companies do have a limit of number of visits per year. Again, call your insurance company to find out the benefits. Our office staff will verify your benefits and we would be happy to discuss them with you.