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Find all of the relevant information about common questions patients may have.
General IPA Physio FAQ:
Find all of the relevant information about common questions patients may have.
Do I need a prescription to be seen at IPA Physio?
In all 50 states, patients have the right to seek immediate treatment from a licensed physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician. This means that you can come to IPA Physio for an evaluation/assessment without a doctor’s referral. If you are in pain, don’t wait to start receiving physical therapy care as the duration of pain episodes often increase along with the how long you wait to start PT.
Regulations vary state to state as to how long you can be seen without a prescription for physical therapy. Please refer to the FAQs for the IPA Physio in your state to learn more about your state’s regulations. Additionally, for reimbursement, some insurance plans require a medical doctor’s prescription. We are happy to assist you in figuring out the details of your insurance plan.
Why is IPA Physio considered an out-of-network provider?
IPA Physio operates as an out-of-network provider to maintain our commitment to delivering the highest quality physical therapy, which includes hour-long treatment sessions which align with our patient-centered Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) treatment model, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Read more on our Billing and Rates page to understand the Out of Network Advantage.
How does IPA Physio differ from in-network PT clinics?
In traditional in-network PT clinics, therapists often need to see multiple patients per hour, leading to limited one-on-one “hands-on” time, and excessive use of general exercises and passive modalities that research no longer supports (such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation). In many ways, insurance companies dictate or at least influence the treatment that patients receive at these clinics. With the invaluable tools that FMT therapists have to offer, we refuse to let insurance companies or non-PT owners dictate the quality of treatment we are capable of providing you. At IPA Physio, we provide every patient with 60 minutes of direct one-on-one care, including advanced hands-on treatment, specific exercise prescription, and extensive education. Our personalized and patient-centered approach sets us apart.
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I’ve been to physical therapy in the past, and they just watched me do simple exercises. How will my experience at IPA Physio differ?
Our personalized and patient-centered approach sets us apart. During our 1-hour treatment sessions we focus on what you can’t do on your own. If there is a self-treatment technique that will help, we teach you how to fix yourself, and empower you to do that on your own time.
How does insurance impact treatment in traditional in-network PT clinics?
In many in-network clinics, insurance companies have a significant influence on the treatment provided. Therapists often need to see multiple patients per hour to compensate for very low reimbursement rates. This results in limited one-on-one time with patients and your PT often being distracted by paying attention to multiple patients at the same time. You may have experienced another downside of in-network clinics if you have been there thinking you could do all of these basic exercises on your own. If you were left desiring more from your prior in-network PT experience, IPA Physio is here to provide you with that elevated experience!
How does IPA Physio help me get reimbursed from my insurance?
At IPA Physio, we streamline your experience by simplifying the insurance process. Despite being out-of-network, many insurance plans cover our services. Our dedicated team guides you through benefits, estimates reimbursements, and submits all necessary paperwork. We submit claims after each session, ensuring a seamless process, whether your insurance covers part or all of the cost. This means you don’t have to deal with the hassle of superbills and managing this on your own. If insurance details confuse you, we’re here to assist, explaining how your plan benefits you under our care.
Do you accept insurance, and will my plan cover your services?
While we are out-of-network, many insurance plans still provide coverage for our services. If you are struggling with understanding your insurance benefits, we can assist you by contacting your insurance provider and discussing, in detail, your benefits with you and how your plan will benefit you under our care allowing you to focus on the more important (and less confusing) things in life. We also do all the work for you by submitting all claims to your insurance for you! This takes the headache out of receiving the out-of-network benefits you are entitled to!
Do IPA Physio clinics accept Medicare?
As out-of-network providers for physical therapy, IPA Physio clinics are not permitted to submit claims to Medicare or any secondary / supplemental insurances. This means that the treatment of any person whose primary insurance is Medicare must fall into the category of what is considered to be ‘wellness’ in nature, and that the entire cost of the treatment will be borne by the client.
There have been a few bills brought before congress that would fix this issue, but none of them have been brought to a vote. We encourage you to contact your senator and representative to voice your concerns with how the current laws and regulations limit your freedom of choice of physical therapy providers.
Do you accept Medicaid insurance plans?
As out-of-network providers for physical therapy, IPA Physio clinics are not permitted to submit claims to any state specific Medicaid insurance plan.
Can I use HSA / FSA funds to pay for my treatments at IPA Physio clinics?
Using your HSA or FSA is a great way to pay for treatment in a tax-advantaged way. We are happy to provide whatever additional documentation may be needed (i.e. billing history, claim history) in order for you to maximize these benefits!
What sets IPA Physio apart in terms of treatment philosophy?
Unlike clinics that prioritize simple exercises and modalities, IPA Physio follows the Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) approach, providing hands-on treatment, specific exercise prescription, and extensive education to deliver effective and research-supported care. We prioritize the things that are impossible, or very challenging, for you to do on your own, and empower you through education to do everything you can for yourself on your own time.
Do I have to go to the PT clinic that my physician referred me to?
Your doctor may refer you to a specific physical therapy facility, but the Consumer Bill of Rights protects your ability to choose the provider that best suits your needs, such as IPA Physio.
Will I receive better care if I go to the PT clinic at my doctor’s office?
Unfortunately, PT practices owned by physicians have been repetitively shown in research to provide less quality of care, due to financial interests of non-PT owners. When energy and focus is placed on self-referred financial gains, less emphasis is placed on the quality of care being provided.
A research study by Mitchell et al. in 2015 found that low back pain patients who were self-referred (referred from a physician to a PT business where the physician had a financial interest) received more (ineffective) passive modalities and incurred double the average costs as compared to patients who were not self-referred.
What differentiates Functional Manual Therapy® from other manual therapy approaches?
Not all manual physical therapy is equal. Many manual therapies are passive, in which treatment is done to the patient. IPA Physio’s approach, known as Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT), is unique because it involves active patient participation and movement, leading to better results. Functional Manual Therapy® also recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, and the full body connectivity of the human movement system, encouraging our clinicians to look outside the box for solutions to resolve your unique symptoms.
How does IPA Physio differentiate its manual physical therapy?
At IPA Physio, we specialize in manual therapy to improve mobility and enhance your body’s connection and coordination. Our highly specific hands-on techniques contribute to better outcomes and functionality. Many manual therapy approaches cluster people into boxes to try and treat everyone who fits in that box exactly the same. In Functional Manual Therapy® we acknowledge and intentionally seek out the uniqueness of each individual to treat what is different about your symptoms instead of the few ways they are the same as other people. Treatments at IPA Physio will be unlike anything you would experience elsewhere!
What makes the FMT approach unique at IPA Physio?
Our Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT) approach stands out because it is an active form of manual therapy. It involves active movement and encourages active participation by the patient. This active approach, often referred to as ‘functional,’ leads to greater results and improved functionality. You are actually an active participant in creating the changes in your own body. The therapist is just there to help with their hands to localize down to specific tissue fibers that need to be stretched.
Can I get cupping at IPA Physio?
Yes. All of our therapists are trained in the use of cupping to restore myofascial mobility and enhance neuromuscular function. For more information on cupping, also known as “myofascial decompression”.
Are therapists at IPA Physio highly qualified in manual therapy?
All therapists at IPA Physio have attained, or are actively pursuing, advanced certifications in Functional Manual Therapy®, ensuring care from highly skilled professionals with specialized training in manual therapy. Beyond the Functional Manual Therapy training, many are also certified and trained in a variety of other approaches. We believe an eclectic and well-rounded clinician best serves the patient. Our clinicians are focused on continually improving their skills through ongoing continuing education.