Can I still participate in treatments if I don’t have insurance?
For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.
How can I prepare for my initial appointment?
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.
To bring on your first visit:
In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
- A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
- 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.
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you. If you are unable to do this, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
Do you take my insurance?
In most cases, insurance will cover a good portion, if not all, of your treatment costs. We understand navigating insurance can be confusing, so Step Ahead Physical Therapy will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy.
For more information, visit our insurance plan page, and please do not hesitate to contact our Cambridge and Marblehead physical therapy office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.
Will I be able to continue with my sessions even after recovery?
Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, our therapist will review your at-home continuing therapy program.
We can also make arrangements to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery.
What does payment look like?
Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.
We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service.
When will I notice relief?
Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, our therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you.
Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by our physical therapist.
What should I wear for my PT treatments?
Dress comfortably in clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas.
For treatments, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear.
How long should I expect my appointments to be?
Although all patients are different, typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 45-60 minutes.
The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and our therapist will discuss this with you. You will most likely see your therapist once or twice per week to begin with, and as you progress through treatment, your sessions will be more spread out.
What should I know about physical therapy treatments?
With physical therapy, it’s important to know that the overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.
Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to manage or eliminate it altogether.
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. Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function.
While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels.
Are PT treatments uncomfortable?
Good communication with our therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.
Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain! There is a chance, however, as you restore your mobility that your pain levels will fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering.
Rest assured that this is a normal response to physical therapy treatment and not a cause for concern.
Will physical therapy help me find relief?
Sure you can! Everyone can benefit from physical therapy. By working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Call us today to discuss your current condition or request an appointment now.
How can I know if you treat my condition?
Rest assured, our therapists are well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.
Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state-licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a master’s or doctorate level degree.
Physical therapists have years of university-level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. You’re in good hands!
How do I go about scheduling an appointment?
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. Call us today 781-797-0844 or click here to request an appointment.
How can I begin treatments with a physical therapist?
Our clinic in Cambridge and Marblehead prides itself on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.
You have the right to receive physical therapy at any facility you choose. At Step Ahead Physical Therapy, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you are in search of.