Telehealth Services

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Telehealth / E-Visit FAQs:

  • What is Telehealth?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Telehealth as, “the use of telecommunications (online digital practice) and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional health care facilities.” Used by health care professionals for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injuries; for research and evaluation; and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities.

  • How does a Telehealth session work?

You and your healthcare provider use an audio and video connection over the internet rather than meeting in person. Your telehealth session will take place with a licensed physical therapist from our practice using a secure, HIPAA-compliant connection. From the comfort and convenience of your own home, you can participate using your personal computer with a webcam (many computers have these built-in) or a smart mobile device (tablet or phone) with a built-in video camera.

  • Does my insurance cover Telehealth?

COVID-19 has changed the landscape when it comes to insurance reimbursement for physical therapy telehealth services. Several plans now cover telehealth*, and the list is constantly being updated.

*Depending on your insurance benefits, our telehealth services may vary in what we are capable of billing. Our insurance specialist will detemine your benefits prior to your telehealth visit.

  • What's the difference between Telehealth and an E-Visit?

Telehealth and E-visits both occur via the same type of secure platform described above ("How does a Telehealth session work?"). The difference between the 2 center around covered procedures and the duration of care. Unlike telehealth, E-visits are intended to cover short-term (up to 7 days) for assessment and management activities including any associated clinical decision-making. Telehealth generally gives physical therapists greater latitude for billing codes used and the total duration of care.  

  • How do I schedule a Telehealth or E-Visit session?

Call our office and speak to our client care specialist to inquire about scheduling a session. You may also send us an email at manassas@fyzical.com

We now have an online appointment booking process for your convenience.  

  • What types of conditions can be addressed with Telehealth?

Most conditions that we treat in the clinic can also be appropriate for telehealth.

The majority of the information needed for a physical therapist to diagnose and develop a plan of care can be done without physically touching a patient. A thorough subjective assessment discussing your general medical history and history regarding your injury/reason for attending PT will comprise a significant portion of the assessment. This will then guide a physical assessment, in which your PT will instruct you how to perform certain movements to determine your impairments and functional limitations. Your therapist will likely observe your range of motion, components of strength, functional movement and assess your pain throughout. 

Although certain techniques (e.g. manual therapy, electrical stimulation) cannot be performed through a telehealth session, these are only a few, of many, tools used for PT which are often used to supplement exercise. Through video physical therapists can observe how you move, demonstrate movements, provide and coach you through exercises to ensure correct form and identify barriers to function.

We strive to provide telehealth services at the same standard of care of an in-person visit. If the limitations of a telehealth consultation interfere with our ability to properly examine or treat you, we will let you know so you can schedule a face-to-face visit with us or another provider of your choice.  

For existing clients, telehealth will allow us to update/modify your exercise program. Recommendations for self-care and lifestyle education may also be offered to help accelerate your recovery. The progress you make is dependent on your following the recommendations of your physical therapist offered during previous telehealth sessions. 

  • Are there any benefits to Telehealth?

COVID-19 has been a driving force behind the increased demand for telehealth for distancing reasons. Other benefits of telehealth include but not limited to: not having to take time to drive to and from appointments, minimizing time off work for appointments, being able to access services at more convenient times.

Telehealth sessions include* an initial consultation and follow-up session(s). The plan of care for telehealth sessions will be determined by your needs. If your physical therapist feels that your condition is not appropriate for telehealth, a referral to the appropriate healthcare provider will be made which may include a recommendation to schedule an in-person visit at our office or provider of your choice.

*Depending on your insurance benefits, our telehealth services may vary in what we are capable of billing. Our insurance specialist will detemine your benefits prior to your telehealth visit. 

  • Is Telehealth safe?

Your safety and security are our top priority. We provide you with a special link and password for your secure session ensuring the entire process meets the standards for HIPAA compliance.

  • Can Telehealth really help me?

Yes! Read more about the benefits of physical therapy telehealth