Frequently Asked Questions

A: No. Montana has practice without referral and has had since the 1980s. This means that you are legally able to receive physical therapy treatment without having seen a physician. However, not all insurances allow you to do so.
For example, Medicare requires that you are seen by a physician and that they bill you as proof that you have seen them.
A Medicare patient who starts Physical Therapy can be seen in therapy for up to 60 days before having to return to be seen by the physician again. The physician then has to bill you again to prove that you have been there. You can't just call them to have them "write you a prescription" even if they are a relative.
Please check with your own insurance carrier regarding their policy regarding Physical Therapy treatment.

1. Do I need a doctor's prescription to come to Physical Therapy?

2. My doctor told me that your office accepts Medicare and that I will not have to pay anything for Physical Therapy. Why did I receive a bill?

A: Medicare and private insurance companies selling a Medicare product may require a deductible or a co-pay. This is not covered by either the government or the insurance company issuing the policy.
Again, please check with your insurance carrier if you have purchased a Medicare product to verify their policy concerning your benefit.

3. Why did I receive a bill for exercise equipment that I received during treatment in your office?

A: Some insurance companies do not cover supplies issued by Physical Therapists. If you knew that you had such insurance and you told that to your therapist, they would have had you sign a statement saying that you knew that the product was not covered. That statement will be on file in your paper chart.
This assumes, that you have discussed your condition, your insurance and your compliance in therapy with your therapist.

4. MHPT billed my insurance company more than insurance allows for the service. How do you get by with that?

A: In the United States, doctors and other medical practitioners can bill whatever they wish for their services. However, Medicare and other insurance companies have a maximum charge that they allow for each service.
If the medical practitioner has signed on with an insurer as a preferred provider or as accepting assignment, they have agreed to accept the insurance company's maximum allowable charge.
The difference between the maximum allowable charge and the actual charge of the practitioner is "written off." That portion of the bill which is "written off" is, essentially, gone.
This means that the insurance company's payment to the provider along with the patient's personal payment
to the provider will not exceed the maximum allowable charge.

5. If I come to MHPT for treatment, can I choose a therapist I prefer?

A: Yes. If you have a preferred therapist, you can see them. You may have to wait longer for an appointment than you would if you saw a different therapist, but, you can see who you want.

6. If I would be more comfortable with a female (or male) therapist, can I choose one or the other?

A: Yeah, sure, you betcha.
You may have to wait a little longer to get in for an appointment with them, but, you can do it.

7. My doctor wrote a prescription for a different Therapy office. Do I have to go there or can I come to your office?

A: You can receive therapy where ever you like. However, sometimes a doctor will recommend a particular
therapist or office because they feel you would do well with them.
If you are interested in picking your own therapist or therapy office other than the office that the doctor recommended, please discuss it with your doctor.

8. My doctor ordered Physical Therapy three times a week for six weeks. I was only scheduled two times a week for two weeks. How come I'm not getting the therapy I need?

A: Though your doctor ordered more frequent therapy visits, your therapist evaluated you and determined that you could reach your goals with fewer treatments. The therapist communicated his / her findings and a plan of care with your doctor through a treatment plan which your doctor signed and returned to the therapist.
Understand that there are many factors involved in you reaching your goals. The number of times you see your therapist is the least important. More important is a thorough evaluation of your current condition based on your diagnosis, appropriate treatment including instruction in self care activities and your compliance with an exercise program.
This is a more effective and efficient means of assisting you resulting in fewer visits on your part and less cost to you and your insurance company. Yet, you will have met your goal of improved health and function.