Upper Extremity Lymphedema Treatment

Your questions answered

• What should I expect during my initial visit?

  You will be asked to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your appointment to complete paperwork and a functional assessment form. Although we may already have your prescription for therapy, please bring a copy if you have one available.

  We will make a copy of your insurance card and ID. Our patient coordinators may have verified your insurance benefits prior to your appointment; however, insurance authorization will be confirmed during your visit.

  Once these steps are complete, you will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist. The therapist will ask for information about:

  1. Your medical history including medications and tests performed to date
  2. Your current problems/concerns and factors that aggravate these
  3. Your pain levels and areas affected
  4. The ways these issues impact your ability to work and play and rest
  5. Your goals and expectations of therapy

  The therapist will then perform an initial assessment of your issue that may include tests to locate tenderness and evaluate soft tissue, to assess sensation changes, range of motion, the strength of involved muscles, stability/laxity of ligaments, and functional impairments.

  Following the testing, the therapist, with your input, will develop a plan for treatment that includes goals, treatment frequency and duration, and an approach to resolving or managing your therapeutic concerns. This treatment plan and monthly updates of progress will be shared with your physician.

  Your co-pay (the amount your insurance has determined to be your responsibility) will be collected following your visit. Your future therapy visits will be scheduled based upon recommendations from your physician, your therapist’s findings, your insurance company parameters, and your own goals and schedule.

• What clothing do you suggest I wear during my therapy session?

  Loose, comfortable clothing that permits ease of access to the shoulder or arm and hand. A tank top is often a good choice. Your therapist will have a gown available for you to wear if you prefer.

• How long will each visit take?

  Most visits will require 45 to 60 minutes with your therapist. You will be advised if we anticipate that your visits will require more time.

• Will I always see the same therapist?

  We make an effort to schedule you with the same therapist each time or will rotate you between two therapists so that more than one is familiar with your care.

• How many therapy visits will be required?

  This is difficult to answer as some problems have developed recently and can often be resolved faster than disorders that have developed over a longer period of time. Those acute injuries may only require a few visits.
  Those who are recovering from surgery may need to follow a specific protocol to promote healing, permitting graded motion and muscle function over several weeks.

• Do I need a physician referral in order to schedule?

  Licensure of physical and occupational therapists does not require a physician referral; however, your insurance company may require one in order to cover the costs of your therapy. You should always ask your insurance company if a referral or “document of medical necessity” is required. We may offer treatment without a physician’s initial assessment unless we are concerned about a fracture or ligament/tendon rupture that will require a medical assessment or intervention.

• Are you in-network with my insurance company?

  We are in-network providers for the following insurance companies:

  • Aetna
  • Local Union
  • BCBS
  • EBMS
  • First Health
  • Tricare

• Do you accept Medicare and Medicaid?

  Yes, our therapists are fully authorized by Medicare and Medicaid.

• Are your services reimbursed by Veteran’s Insurance?

  In order to be eligible for payment by the Veteran’s Administration, your therapy must be pre-authorized by the VA. Our patient coordinators can assist you in obtaining authorization.