Welcome to Chester County Hospital’s Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Department. We are looking forward to meeting you upon your initial visit. As you are able, please feel free to read the biographies of our staff to familiarize yourself with your therapist and our team.
Our philosophy concerning your rehabilitation process is one of collaboration and patient-centered focus. We strive to offer you the best care, and address what you feel you need. Below are some frequently asked questions, which you may find helpful entering your rehabilitation process.
FAQs:
Why do you ask me to rate my pain when I arrive and leave therapy each session?
It is a requirement of the Joint Commission to inquire and record your perceived pain level before and after each session. Not all pain is bad, but how you respond to pain, and when it occurs, is important in the progression of your treatment program. Upon arriving to therapy you may have no pain if it is only activity-induced. At the end of therapy, you may have increased muscle or joint soreness or delayed pain later that day, or you may have no pain at all. Your therapist will help you address this each session. Answers to these questions will help us document a more accurate description of how pain may be impacting your functional ability.
What can I do to help my therapist best understand my symptoms and future goals?
Insurance companies look for improvement in function. It can be helpful to develop a list of tasks that give you trouble. This allows your therapist to help you troubleshoot these activities. Report to your therapist when an activity has gotten easier or achieved. We document it! Telling us that you are stronger is good, but telling us that you can “now pick up your laundry basket” is even better. Be specific. Feel free to create a “working list” of functional activities that give you trouble, and we will address each task throughout your treatment program. One of our primary goals is to assist you in returning to your highest level of function possible.
What if I forget to ask/tell my therapist something about my symptoms the first time I see them?
Don’t worry! As you progress through your rehabilitation, write down questions for your therapist. Develop a list along the way. Prioritize your questions. Many questions may be answered with subsequent sessions. We value your time and want to provide you with a comprehensive program in an efficient manner. Answering questions is part of what we do.
Will my pain return once I get my symptoms under control?
There is no guarantee that it will or will not; however, if it does, review the tools your therapist has taught you during your sessions. More than likely, you will be able to control any “flare ups” on your own. This is important, as in most cases, the longer you have pain, the harder it is to get rid of it. If you can’t seem to get your pain under control after trying yourself, call your therapist. We are here for you even after you have been discharged!
How can I contact you?
We are here for you! Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns. The easiest way is to call the clinic where you are receiving treatment. We do our very best to answer as many phone calls as possible during our business hours. However, should you get the answering machine, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
How long should I come to therapy?
Ultimately, you are the one in charge of your therapeutic process. You and your therapist will work together to reach a formal ending/discharge date as you continue to feel better. If you are finding therapy is not successful or that your symptoms are no longer changing, discuss options with your therapist at your next visit or over the phone. Our top priority is helping you manage your symptoms and achieve your goals.
Will my insurance cover my therapy?
In most cases, the answer is yes. You should consult our Front Desk Patient Services Representatives and your insurance company to see what your coverage includes. In the event that your insurance does not cover outpatient therapy services at Chester County Hospital, there is an option to pay out-of-pocket/self-pay at the time of service for a 72% discount. Call one of our rehabilitation locations and speak with a Patient Services Representative; they will be able to provide you with the most accurate information regarding your individual situation.
I have a high co-pay and limited time to attend therapy. How can I receive the most efficient treatment?
Your therapist will work with you to develop the best plan for your needs. Let us know your financial concerns and/or schedule restrictions and we will work to accommodate you as best we can. We aim to achieve an optimal balance between your valuable time and your rehabilitation needs. Our therapy plans are highly varied from patient to patient and can change week to week (or even session by session) in order to help you achieve your therapy goals.
What is your cancellation policy? Do I have to pay if I cancel?
There is no fee associated with cancelling a therapy session. Please be aware however, after three consecutive cancellations or no-shows for appointments, we will discharge your current therapy episode. If this happens, feel free to speak with your therapist. It will require a provider’s prescription for therapy to be re-initiated. Please note that your initial prescription from your provider is only good for 30 days. If you are delayed in being able to make your first therapy session within 30 days, you will need a new prescription from your Provider.
How many patients do you see in a day?
We limit our scheduled patient load to no more than one patient per hour, per therapist. We work hard to provide you with the most personalized and attentive care in order to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
Are all of your patients seen in the "open clinic/gym" setting?
We do see many of our patients in an open gym clinic setting, often with other therapists and patients in the same space. (The gym offers sectioned off curtain areas.) However, we do have a limited number of private treatment rooms available. Therapists regularly use these rooms for patients with specific rehabilitation conditions (such as those with a diagnosis of lymphedema or a concussion). If you feel you may find an open clinic too distracting, would like privacy, or have a medical condition that requires a quieter setting, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you for each visit. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while completing your rehabilitation.
What do I need to know about parking?
Specific to the Fern Hill Medical Campus, parking can be difficult to find at times as the campus houses many medical practices. Solutions are being discussed, but in the meantime, please plan on allowing plenty of time to find parking. We recommend arriving to the campus at least 20 minutes prior to your requested appointment arrival time in order to allow ample time to find a parking spot and arrive at the clinic in time for your appointment. If you arrive early, a café is conveniently located a few feet from the front door of our clinic.