Rehabilitation & Therapy Services FAQ

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Our therapists work closely with a patient's physicians and nurses to coordinate personalized treatment programs, working with the patient on every aspect of mobility, from climbing stairs to exercising and walking with crutches or a walker.

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat disorders related to speech, language, cognitive communication, voice, fluency and swallowing (specializing in diagnosing using modified barium swallow studies). Evaluation and treatment services are available for conditions arising from stroke, traumatic brain injury, deterioration, developmental delays, cancer (brain, oral and laryngeal), chronic respiratory conditions (relating to decreased coordination of breathing with swallowing such as COPD) and neuromuscular disorders (multiple sclerosis, ALS and Parkinson's disease).

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists help the patient develop, recover and/or maintain daily living and work skills including basic everyday tasks from bathing and dressing to routine household chores. They work with individuals who suffer from mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling conditions with the goal of helping clients have independent, productive and satisfying lives.

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral for physical therapy, but a physician referral is required in order to see an occupational or speech therapist. 

The state of Virginia has “Direct Access” to Physical Therapy, which means that you are not legally required to have a Physician’s referral before seeing a Physical Therapist for an evaluation or treatment. 

However, some insurance coverage may require you to have a referral or “authorization” before they will approve payment. You should contact your insurance company beforehand to determine the process that they require. It’s important to remember that if you are under the care of a Physician and require therapy, you have the freedom to choose which therapy clinic to receive your treatment. 

My doctor referred me to physical therapy, but not to a Centra clinic. Can I still come to Centra Rehabilitation?

It's Your Choice.

Your physician may refer you to a specific physical therapy clinic, maybe even one in his or her own office, but you can still choose another facility or physical therapist. The referral a physician provides you with can be accepted at any physical therapy facility that you choose, depending on your insurance coverage.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your initial visit, your therapist will provide you with a thorough examination.  Please be prepared to discuss your needs and any pain, lack of mobility or function that you currently have. This evaluation will involve certain range of motion, postural, and strength tests to help your therapist develop a plan unique to you and your condition.

What should I bring with me to my first visit?

Please bring the following to your first visit and arrive 15 minutes early (if you do not have completed paperwork we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early so you will have time to finish it before your appointment):

• Completed Paperwork – Health History Questionnaire, HIPPA & Cancellation Policy
• A copy of your list of medications 
• Insurance Card(s) Picture ID
• Referral / Prescription

Do you accept my insurance?

For your convenience, we accepts an extensive list of insurance providers.  Please check with your individual provider for your specific plan benefits.  At the time of scheduling your first appointment we request that you provide us your insurance information so that we may verify your coverage. Prior to your appointment, we will check your benefits and inform you of any out-of-pocket expense.

May I bring my child with me to my appointment?

Our policy is that only patients are allowed in the treatment rooms and gym. For safety reasons, please make arrangements for your children. This allows you and our care providers to focus on your treatment during the time you are here.

Medicare Questions

Centra Rehabilitation participates with the Medicare program. Medicare helps pay for medically necessary outpatient physical, occupational & speech therapy. You will need a referral from your physician in order to receive these services.

On your first visit, your therapist will perform an evaluation and develop a plan for your treatment. This plan of care will be sent to your physician. In addition, your therapist will periodically provide updates to your physician on your treatment progress.

Payment for Medically Necessary Services Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare approved amount for all covered services. You will be responsible for the remaining 20% of the Medicare approved amount after you have met your annual deductible.

You must pay this amount before Medicare will begin to pay the 80% for covered services. If you have a supplemental insurance plan in addition to Medicare, it may cover your deductible as well as the 20% that it your responsibility.

Our Scheduling Specialists will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about your Medicare coverage.  They can be reached at 434.200.7600.