Flowstate-Physical-Therapy-Tuscaloosa-AL

Patient Information

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Patient Forms

At Flowstate Physical Therapy, we want to maximize your time with us. Prior to your first visit, please print and complete the New Patient Forms below. Please bring these completed forms, your insurance cards, and photo ID with you to your first visit. Otherwise, allow extra time before your appointment to fill them out here.

Before Your First Visit

  • Make a list of questions and concerns you would like to discuss with your therapist.
  • List signs and symptoms that can be of importance to the therapist.
  • Have in writing key past medical history, previous treatments, current medications, and other important information.
  • Please call our office to verify your insurance benefits.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment.
  • Bring with you a copy of your insurance card and a photo ID.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

  • You will register with our friendly front office staff. They will help you navigate the insurance process and treatment program so you can focus on your recovery.
  • You will meet with your physical therapist for the initial evaluation.
  • During the evaluation your therapist will ask questions about your medical history, current pain, or injury. Your physical therapist will also answer any questions you may have about therapy and your condition. Open communication helps us get you better.
  • Your movement, strength, coordination, and much more will be evaluated. Our purpose is to help you, so please communicate to your therapist if anything is hurting or bothering you during the examination.
  • Your therapist will recommend and prepare a course of treatments to ensure the quickest recovery and the best results. Your therapist will discuss the recommendations with you.
  • There will be some treatments performed the first day to get you started on your road to recovery. However, during the next visit you will get into the full swing of your treatment plan.
  • You will schedule a series of visits with the front desk. The amount of therapy needed will be discussed with you, depending on the recommendations of your therapist and physician. We offer many convenient appointment times.
  • Your therapist will write up their findings and treatment plan to submit to your referring physician or other medical professional who you choose.
  • If you have any questions at anytime, please don’t hesitate to call. We want to ensure your satisfaction and full recovery

Patient Info / Forms

Preparing for your first appointment

At Flowstate Physical Therapy in Tuscaloosa, AL, our physical therapy team is committed to finding the root cause of your condition and developing a treatment plan to help you return to a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

Here’s a list of some things you’ll need at your appointment:

  • To enable time to complete your paperwork, arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit.
  • Do you have any questions? Make a list of questions you’d like to ask during your first meeting.
  • Bring all of your documents with you. This includes a photo ID and a copy of your insurance card.
  • Please call our office ahead of time to verify your insurance benefits at (205) 248-7537.
  • Prepare to talk about your medical history, previous treatments, current medications, and other relevant details.
  • Make a list of things the therapist should be aware of:
    • Describe any symptoms or limitations you have been dealing with
    • What activities, positions or movements make you worse (and better)?
    • How long have you been working on this specific problem?
    • Have you ever had similar problems?

The more information you can provide about the nature of your problem, the better. Our therapist will conduct a thorough history and movement screen to ensure you get the results you deserve!

We’ll help you get to the bottom of your situation and can help you do what you love again!

What to expect at Flowstate Physical Therapy during your first appointment

Arriving at our physical therapy clinic is similar to arriving at any medical office. Our entire team is here to help answer your questions and make the process a positive experience. Here are some of the things you can expect:

  • When you arrive, you will need to register at the front desk. We’ll ask for your insurance information and any other paperwork you may have brought with you (i.e., referral, X-ray or MRI report, and other medical reports)
  • After that, you’ll have your initial evaluation with our physical therapist. Our therapist thoroughly assess your medical history and current pain, illness, or injury. This is essential to helping you, so please be open and honest with us. We genuinely want to listen and understand your problem(s) and provide you with the best possible solution!
  • Next, our physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate your range of motion, strength, and movement patterns during your appointment. Based on your evaluation findings, our physical therapist will devise a therapy plan for you.
  • Your therapist will provide an explanation and information about their findings. In addition, we will provide education and some treatments to alleviate pain, improve mobility and initiate your recovery process. Each session after that will build on the initial evaluation to create the most significant impact possible for each therapy session.
  • We will also discuss your goals and, based on sound reasoning and clinical experience, determine how long and how frequently you should attend your physical therapy sessions.
  • Our Tuscaloosa, AL therapist will record their findings and treatment plan and can give those to any medical expert of your choosing. The goal of all our treatments will be to help you recover as quickly as possible and achieve meaningful, lasting results.
  • You will arrange the remaining sessions at the front desk before leaving your initial appointment at Flowstate Physical Therapy.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at any time if you have any further questions or concerns.

Want to save time? Fill your forms out beforehand!

If you want to save time on your first visit, please fill them out online or print the patient forms below, fill them out, and bring them with you to your appointment.

If you do not have time to print them, please arrive at least 25 minutes early to give yourself plenty of time to finish them before your appointment.

At Flowstate Physical Therapy, we are here to help you make the most of your treatment.

Contact us today!

Direct Access

Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral

It may surprise you to learn that you can go directly to your physical therapist when dealing with pain or an injury. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with an old or new problem. In all 50 states, you can schedule a visit with our therapist to get help sooner than later.

In the medical community, Direct Access is the ability to see a physical therapist when you want to without getting permission from your physician or medical practitioner.

Our physical therapist routinely assesses and treats patients without a physician’s recommendation. You can call (205) 248-7537 directly at Flowstate Physical Therapy in Tuscaloosa, AL, and we’ll schedule your appointment today! Direct Access eliminates wasting your time for the appointment to see a doctor, then the delays in getting a referral to physical therapy and waiting for an appointment to see the therapist.

Another benefit of going directly to our physical therapist is the cost savings. Beyond the cost of copayments to see your physician or being sent to a specialist paying another copay, and finally getting sent to physical therapy, you can save money and see our team directly.

Direct Access is all about having the freedom to make your own decisions without being bound by outdated rules. It allows you to be in charge of your healthcare so you can focus on your recovery instead of waiting for another appointment to get you the help you need today!

If you have questions about Direct Access or would like to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, contact Flowstate Physical Therapy in Tuscaloosa, AL now!

Misunderstandings About Direct Access

Although the term “direct access” has been around for decades, not everyone outside the physical therapy profession knows about it or what it actually means. The good news is that the old-fashioned healthcare model is being updated to provide patients better access to physical therapy services.

There is a lot of evidence that early or Direct Access to physical therapy reduces waiting time, lowers costs, improves convenience for the patient and health care system, and, most importantly, improves recovery time.

Scheduling directly with a physical therapist is important in all areas of physical therapy, including outpatient physical therapy, pediatrics, private home care, school districts, hospitals, and even the sports fields. Direct Access is much more common than the general public and other medical practitioners realize.

For a long time, only a handful of states had laws allowing patients to go directly to their physical therapist; now, Direct Access is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. While the program continues to have some limitations, Direct Access laid the foundation for revising regulations and ensuring that you receive the care you need when you want it.

Call Flowstate Physical Therapy today at (205) 248-7537 to learn more about how to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!

How direct access laws affect health insurance

Figuring out health insurance plans seems to get more and more complicated. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear the health insurance sector will change any time soon. Every carrier is different, and plans are too. And it may even get more complicated!

Fortunately, Direct Access is covered by a wide range of private health insurance carriers. Remember, you must check what your insurance covers, no matter what!

Our physical therapist stays in regular communication with your physician no matter what. We will submit your plan of care to be reviewed and signed off on by a registered doctor. Fortunately, when our physical therapist creates a treatment plan, Medicare will cover the cost of the service.

There are numerous advantages to having Direct Access to physical therapy. For example, patients report higher satisfaction when receiving physical therapy through Direct Access versus physician referral. In addition, patients receiving physical therapy through direct Access versus referral had better outcomes at discharge.

If you or someone you love would like to learn more about Direct Access to physical therapy or how physical therapy helps you with any condition you are dealing with, request an appointment at Flowstate Physical Therapy today!

Insurance Info

Do any of these policies cover you? For your convenience, we have provided a list of our most popular in-network plans; however, this is only a partial list!

Please call our office at (205) 248-7537 to confirm other insurance plans.

  • Medicare
  • Tricare
  • BCBS
  • UHC/Optum
  • Humana
  • Aetna
  • Cigna/ASH

Flowstate Physical Therapy accepts a wide range of health insurance policies, and we’re here to help you sort through the maze of claims and benefits. Please call beforehand to verify your health benefits and learn if treatment services will be subject to a charge, deductible, or coinsurance.

We also offer a private pay plan if you do not have health insurance or have exhausted your benefits.

Request an appointment today for additional information about our service rates and payment options!

Payment Options

Prioritizing Patient Needs: Cash-Based Physical Therapy at Flowstate Physical Therapy

Cash-based physical therapy is a model of service in which our physical therapist accept direct payment from patients instead of relying on insurance reimbursement.

At Flowstate Physical Therapy, we have implemented this model for the following reasons:

  • Improved Patient: Therapist Relationship: By eliminating the insurance company arbitrarily stopping your rehabilitation or making the process unnecessarily complicated, the therapist and patient can focus on what matters most, your results!
  • Control Over Services: It allows our physical therapist to determine the type and frequency of treatment based on patient needs rather than what an insurance company is willing to cover. It gives the therapist more freedom to provide the best possible care.
  • Simpler Billing: The billing process is greatly simplified without insurance companies in the mix. Therapists can spend less time dealing with paperwork, claims submissions, and follow-ups and more time helping you get the results you deserve!
  • Price Transparency: In a cash-based model, patients know upfront the cost of their treatment. This can lead to fewer surprises and better financial planning for patients.
  • Lower Overall Costs: Because treatment costs aren’t inflated to meet insurance reimbursement rates, the actual cost of services is often lower in a cash-based model. Research has shown that cash-based physical therapy typically requires fewer visits than traditional insurance-based models, resulting in less cost to the patient.

However, it’s important to remember that this model isn’t without drawbacks. For example, some patients may prefer to utilize their insurance coverage for such services if available, which is why we also provide that service.

As with any healthcare decision, it’s essential for patients to carefully consider their needs, finances, and insurance coverage when deciding between insurance-based and cash-based physical therapy.

Call (205) 248-7537 today to learn more about our payment options!

Patient Testimonial

I became a C-3 quadriplegic. Two weeks after I was discharged, I had a mild heart attack that required surgery. After this surgery, I met Nick who would end up being my primary physical for the next 3 months. The day I checked in, Nick asked me what my objectives were, and I told him I want to be able to walk out of here. At that time, I couldn’t walk at all. I was not scheduled for anything the day I checked in, but Nick got me up anyway and got me into the standing frame right off the bat. Through Nick’s dedication and expertise, I walked out of rehab on an upright walker. I would highly recommend him to anybody, and I have been recommending him to everybody. Thank you, Nick and by the grace of God putting you in my life.

Read More

Charles S.

Patient Information

Refer a Friend

Is it possible for Flowstate Physical Therapy in Tuscaloosa, AL to help someone you know?

Please share your experience with anybody who might benefit from physical therapy’s pain-relieving effects and recommend them to us today!

We wish to help as many people as possible in Tuscaloosa, AL find pain relief and improve mobility.

Please fill out the form below if you know someone who could benefit from our services. We’ll get back to you with more information on how we can help!

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FAQs

Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?

According to "The Patient's Bill of Rights" law, you can decide what physical therapy clinic you choose for your care.

Although many physicians recommend a physical therapy clinic they may prefer, you are under no obligation to go to that clinic. No medical practitioner, insurance company, or other entity can insist you attend a physical therapy clinic. The choice is yours to make!

Your basic patient rights include these:

  • The right to information about quality: You can look up information about medical practitioners' credentials, statistics regarding hospitals and clinics, and what your health plan covers in easy-to-understand language.
  • The right to choose a healthcare provider: Besides your primary healthcare provider, this also covers specialists, including physical therapists.
  • The right to emergency services: You can't be denied treatment in an emergency.
  • The right to make decisions: It's up to you to decide which course of treatment you want to follow.
  • The right to respect: You must be treated with respect regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
  • The right to confidentiality: Your health information is private and cannot be released without your consent.
  • The right to complain: All providers (insurance, physicians, clinics, hospitals, etc.) must have a grievance procedure.

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients "Direct Access" to physical therapy services and programs. You can contact a physical therapist without a physician's prescription or referral. 

Call [site-name] at (205) 248-7537 today if you have any questions!

Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?

The short answer is no! 

Direct Access refers to your legal right to be treated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral, so there is nothing to worry about if you don't have a prescription for physical therapy!

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have ruled enabling patients "Direct Access" to physical therapy services and programs. You can contact a physical therapist without a physician's prescription or referral.

How can I make an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment at [site-name] in [all-or-town][state-name] is easier than ever! Our scheduling is easy; we offer a convenient location and appointment times. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. 

Call us today at (205) 248-7537 or click here to request an appointment.

How is my progress measured?

Physical therapists primarily measure your impairments and your functional limitations. 

Impairments include:

  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Loss of motion
  • Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins, needles, etc.)

Functional limitations include:

  • Lying
  • Sleep
  • Rolling over
  • Getting up out of bed
  • Sitting
  • Moving from standing to sitting
  • Moving from sitting to standing
  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Level ground
  • Stairs
  • Uneven ground
  • Running
  • etc

Tracking your impairments and functional abilities gives physical therapists objective information to compare with initial measurements. In addition, your reports and personal experiences help to validate your improvements and clue your therapist to regressions and/or lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess you. We'll use the information to change your program or recommend further testing.