Bissell Clinic Frequently Asked Questions
Common Answers to Questions We Hear
Like other healthcare offices, at Bissell Clinic we hear many questions from new and current patients. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked.
Do you have any questions that aren’t answered here? Contact us today and let us answer all of your questions.
Physical Therapy
We are out of network providers but are still contracted with Medicare. Payment is required at the time of the visit and we are also happy to provide you with a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company externally. If you are a Medicare patient receiving physical therapy, we will bill Medicare and they will reimburse you directly via your explanation of benefits.
Are the therapists medicare providers?
Yes, we are non-participating providers with Medicare. Please call our office for details.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
New laws allow patients to self-refer to a physical therapist. If continued treatment is required, it is the patient’s best interest to see a Chiropractor or MD for an examination and proper diagnosis. The will decide if you should continue physical therapy, receive diagnostic testing or refer you to another appropriate specialist. For patients with Medicare as their primary insurer, a prescription for physical therapy is required from a medical doctor in order for Medicare to pay for the services.
My referral form is for another clinic. Can I still come to you?
Yes. You may go to the therapy clinic of your choice, regardless of where your doctor refers you.
You should wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Our therapy appointments are scheduled every 45 minutes. Most sessions run 45-60 minutes and are one-on-one with the physical therapist.
Will I work with the same therapist at each visit?
Yes, you will work with the same therapist at each visit and will be with that therapist for the entirety of your appointment. Since we are a small clinic, we are able to provide a high level of personalized care and this is one way that we do just that.
What happens at the first visit?
There will be some discussion about your health history and your current condition on the first visit. The therapist will evaluate your current problem, work with you to set goals for your therapy, and outline a treatment plan that will help you reach those goals.
How many visits can I receive?
We work with Medicare. At Bissell Clinic, we will verify your Medicare coverage prior to you beginning therapy and explain everything in advance. Please contact our office for more information on your specific situation.
Shockwave Therapy
What should I expect during the treatment?
The shockwave machine delivers pressure waves through your skin using a soft gel “applicator” and ultrasound gel. The applicator focuses the pressure waves directly on the affected area. The treatment usually takes between 10-20 minutes. Most patients report a “dull, tooth-achey” feeling when the applicator hits the injured area.
What will I feel like after the treatment?
This varies for each person. Some report immediate relief in the hours immediately following the treatment. Others report feeling slightly sore. It is recommended that you do not use ice or anti-inflammatory medicines after the treatments, as the point is to let your body heal the inflammation caused by the micro traumas naturally. Soreness does not mean that the treatment was ineffective or has exacerbated your condition.
How long will it take for my pain to go away?
This varies for each person. We recommend 7-10 treatments, and we have found that people start to notice a decrease in their pain after 3-4 treatments.
Do I need to minimize my activity level during treatment?
We do recommend that you avoid over-use of the affected body party in the weeks you are going through treatment. This is because the shockwave is creating micro traumas to the area, and you need to give your body a chance to heal itself.
Decompression Therapy
What will I feel like after the treatment?
This varies for each person. Some people report feeling taller and lighter and relieved of their pain. Others have reported feeling sore immediately after the treatment or the following day. If one does experience soreness, we recommend icing the area for 10-15 minutes. Soreness does not mean the treatment was ineffective or has exacerbated your condition. It is simply caused from stretching tight, guarded muscles that have been restricted for an extended period of time.
How long will it take to get out of pain?
Although most patients report dramatic reduction of the pain within as few as five minutes, an injured spinal disc needs time to heal. This is why we urge you to follow your prescribed treatment plan. We ask that patients commit to completing a minimum of 20 sessions. Even for those that obtain pain relief early on, the remaining sessions will speed the healing of the injured disc and help them to return to their regular activities sooner. We recommend 2-3x/week for 6 weeks as the ideal treatment plan.
What about exercises and stretching?
Many people wonder if working out or performing yoga after decompression therapy will “undo” the benefits of the treatment. The answer is no. Exercise recommendations will vary with each patient based on their treatment plan with us.