When treating a patient for one condition, such as neck pain, who later returns with a new physician order for a different issue like shoulder pain, your next steps depend on clinical judgment. If the therapist determines the shoulder condition is related to the neck, a reevaluation may be appropriate. However, if the shoulder issue is completely unrelated, a new evaluation should be performed. Keep in mind that whether a second evaluation is reimbursable depends on the specific insurance carrier. For Medicare beneficiaries, your plan of care will vary based on the referring physician(s). If the same physician referred the patient for both issues, you can create an updated plan of care that includes both conditions and obtain a dated signature from that physician. If two different doctors are involved one for the neck and one for the shoulder—you have two options: either one physician agrees to assume responsibility for both conditions and signs a combined plan of care, or you must maintain two separate plans of care, each with the appropriate physician’s certification and recertification. In such cases, it may be helpful to document separate treatment notes if both conditions are addressed during the same visit. Furthermore, if the neck treatment is billed to Insurance A and the shoulder treatment to Insurance B, the shoulder should be considered a separate episode, requiring a new evaluation and separate medical records for each condition. Proper documentation and compliance with insurance policies are essential to ensure accurate billing and optimal patient care.

¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 305-570-1633, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

As a private practice owner who has chosen to operate out-of-network (OON) with insurance companies, one of the most important billing decisions you’ll face is whether to submit claims to insurers on behalf of your patients or provide them with a superbill for self-submission. If you decide to submit the claim yourself, you have two options: accept assignment or not accept assignment. Accepting assignment means the insurer pays you directly for the portion they cover, and the patient pays only their cost-sharing amount (copay or coinsurance). However, keep in mind that insurers aren’t required to honor assignment and may still send the payment to the patient. If you choose not to accept assignment, the patient pays your full rate upfront, and the insurer reimburses them directly for the covered portion—this is common with PPO plans but may not apply to Medicare Advantage or TRICARE plans. Alternatively, if you don’t want to submit any claims at all, you can either give the patient a superbill or simply charge your cash rate and provide no documentation for reimbursement. A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes essential details like diagnosis codes (ICD-10), service codes (CPT), charges, provider and therapist information, and patient identifiers. This allows the patient to seek reimbursement directly from their insurance carrier.

¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 305-570-1633, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

When it comes to physical therapy, most people think of exercises, stretches, and treatments designed to help the body heal from injury, surgery, or chronic pain. But did you know that nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the healing process and optimizing the results of physical therapy? Proper nutrition can not only accelerate recovery but also help prevent further injury, boost energy levels, and improve overall performance.
Protein is a key player when it comes to repairing and rebuilding muscles, especially after injury or surgery. Physical therapy often involves strengthening exercises that challenge the muscles. Consuming an adequate amount of protein can provide the body with the necessary building blocks (amino acids) to rebuild muscle fibers and tissues.
After an injury or surgery, inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Fortunately, certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and promote healing. These key nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, curcumin and ginger.

¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 800-481-4582, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

Improving posture is essential for reducing strain on the muscles, joints, and ligaments, which can help prevent pain and improve overall body alignment. Here are some practical tips and exercises you can follow to improve posture.
Awareness is key so start by becoming more mindful of your posture throughout the day. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, pay attention to how your body is aligned.
Use Posture Check Reminders, set reminders on your phone or use sticky notes in your workspace to remind yourself to check and correct your posture every hour.
Choose a chair and sit with your back supporting the natural curve of your lower back. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, knees at a right angle, and avoid slumping or leaning forward. Sitting for long periods can lead to poor posture. Stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30-60 minutes to prevent stiffness and maintain good alignment. Proper sleep position benefit in your posture also.
Improving your posture takes time and consistency, but by incorporating these tips and exercises into your daily routine, you can build better posture habits and reduce the risk of discomfort or pain.

¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy, please call us at 800-481-4582, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

Surgery is often seen as a last resort for injuries and chronic pain, but what if there was a way to heal and regain function without going under the knife? In many cases, physical therapy (PT) can help patients avoid surgery altogether by addressing the root cause of pain, improving mobility, and strengthening the body to support healing.
In this blog, we’ll explore how PT can be an effective alternative to surgery for common conditions, and when it’s worth considering before opting for an invasive procedure.
Surgery comes with risks—complications, long recovery times, and potential side effects. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and often safer alternative. Through hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like heat, ice, and electrical stimulation, PT helps decrease pain without relying on painkillers or surgery. Weak muscles and poor biomechanics can contribute to injuries. PT targets these issues, improving strength and stability to prevent further damage. Instead of just treating symptoms, PT identifies underlying problems (such as poor posture or muscular imbalances) that, if corrected, can prevent the need for surgery.

¨If you or someone you know might need physical therapy. Please call us at 800-481-4582, or if you are interested in opening a Physical Therapy Franchise. Email us franchise@physicaltherapynow.com or visit our website at www.physicaltherapynow/franchise¨

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