Is a doctor’s referral required for treatment?

Direct Access involves going to a physical therapist without a prescription or referral. You don't have a physical therapy prescription? Nothing to be concerned about!

Without a physician's prescription or referral, physical therapists can be contacted directly. A ruling has been issued by all fifty states and the District of Columbia, allowing patients "direct access" to physical therapy services and programs.

In other words, the government made it acceptable for individuals to go directly to their preferred physical therapy clinic and receive the resources and treatment they require.

We are happy to verify with your insurance provider whether or not you need a doctor’s prescription or referral, but if you have questions it is best to call your insurance provider for clarification on what your plan requires.

Is it okay for me to go to any physical therapy clinic?

You can, thanks to Direct Access laws!

According to the APTA website, "direct access" means "removing the physician referral required by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment." Every state, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands permit evaluation and treatment without a physician referral." This means you can go to whichever clinic you want without having to wait for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. There is no need for a referral or a prescription!

How do I schedule an appointment?

It is now easier than ever to make an appointment at Platinum Physical Therapy in Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA. Our scheduling is simple, and we provide you with a convenient location and appointment times. We have morning and evening appointments available to accommodate your hectic schedule. Call us at 508-881-6750 or click here to make an appointment today.

How is my progress assessed?

The most visible way to gauge your improvement and progress is to track your pain, strength, and mobility levels as you progress through your physical therapy program. As you progress through your rehabilitation exercises, you should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion.

How long will each appointment last?

Both the evaluation and subsequent treatment sessions are 40 minute appointments. Your therapist will most likely see you once or twice a week, with appointments becoming more spaced out as you progress through treatment.

Will my insurance pay for the treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be difficult; therefore, Platinum Physical Therapy would be happy to assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and determining your coverage based on your specific policy.

We encourage patients to feel free to call their insurance plan as well in order to gain an accurate picture of their coverage. Ultimately your employer decides how much your copay and deductible will be, so they can also answer questions regarding your insurance plan.

For more information on our insurance plans, please visit our insurance plans page, and please do not hesitate to contact our Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA physical therapy offices. We offer a number of payment options for your convenience.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

It's fine if you don't have insurance. Our clinic will not turn away a patient for this reason! We offer a cash pay rate due at the time of service for patients who do not have insurance. Please contact our Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA clinic and speak with our front desk about costs and payment arrangements.

What should I do to get ready for my first appointment?

We ask all patients to bring a few items with them on their first visit to our office.

  • Please complete your patient forms on our easy and convenient online patient portal. If you are unable to do this, you may print the patient forms, complete them, and bring them with you if. If you are unable to do so or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow extra time when you arrive to complete these forms.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any outstanding paperwork so that you can make the most of your evaluation time.
  • Please dress comfortably so that you can easily access your problem areas.
  • Insurance details (we will make a copy of your card).
  • A physical therapy prescription (if necessary) from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • If you received home care services, please bring any discharge paperwork from your home care physical therapist.  We cannot treat you until you have received this discharge paperwork if you received home care services.
  • Bring the contact names, phone numbers, and claim number of any case manager or insurance adjuster in the event of an automobile accident or worker's compensation claim.

When you call, please have your prescription and insurance card ready. This will allow us to confirm your insurance benefits and provide you with a coverage estimate.

What are the office policies I should be aware of?

If you are unable to attend your appointment please notify our clinic at least 24 hours in advance. Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance will incur a non-refundable charge of $50.

If you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can keep our patients and staff safe and healthy.

What exactly do physical therapists do?

Our physical therapists evaluate and treat a wide range of pain and discomfort. Our movement professionals have the knowledge and experience to diagnose, evaluate, and treat any musculoskeletal ailment that may arise.

We play an important role in the prevention, reversal, and control of both old and new injuries. Each program is tailored to your specific needs. We use objective measurements to determine the severity of your injuries and tailor your treatment accordingly.

How do I locate a physical therapist?

Our Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA physical therapy clinics take pride in offering a positive, encouraging environment staffed by well-trained, friendly professionals. We are confident in our ability to help you achieve your goals and live pain-free.

You are free to seek physical therapy at any facility of your choice. You will receive the best possible care while achieving the results you desire at Platinum Physical Therapy.

Can my physical therapist make a diagnosis for me?

When you come in for your first session at Platinum Physical Therapy, your physical therapist will perform a physical evaluation to determine the severity of your injury or illness. Following a thorough assessment, your therapist will be able to determine exactly what is causing your pain.

Your physical therapist and doctor may work together to diagnose you. This ensures that your diagnosis is correct and that your medical history is considered.

Can I seek treatment at any physical therapy clinic?

Yes, you can, thanks to Direct Access laws!

According to the APTA website, "direct access" means "removing the physician referral required by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands permit evaluation and treatment without a physician referral."

To put it another way, instead of waiting for your primary care physician to refer you to a clinic, you can choose one yourself. There is no need for a referral or a prescription for this!

Is it necessary for my doctor to refer me for physical therapy?

Do you need physical therapy but don't have a prescription? Not a problem!

Because of Direct Access regulations, individuals can go directly to a physical therapy clinic of their choice and obtain the materials and treatment they require.

Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without a prescription or a doctor's referral. Physical therapy treatments and programs are now available to patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Will my insurance pay for the treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be difficult; therefore, Platinum Physical Therapy would be happy to assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and determining your coverage based on your specific policy.

Please see our insurance page for more information, and feel free to contact our Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA physical therapy clinic with any questions. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options.

I don’t have any insurance. Can I continue to receive physical therapy?

It is okay if you do not have insurance. Our clinic will never turn away a patient! Patients without insurance are charged a consistent out of pocket rate, which must be paid at the time of service. Please contact our Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA clinic and ask our front desk about rates and payment plans.

How do I make the payment for each session?

Prior to your second visit, your insurance benefits will be reviewed, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is due on that date.

Cash, check, debit card, and credit card are all accepted forms of payment. As a matter of policy, we collect money at the time of service.  As a convenience, we can also keep your credit card on file to take payments at the time of service.

How do I make an appointment?

It's never been easier or more convenient to make an appointment at Platinum Physical Therapy in Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA.

We have morning and evening appointments available to accommodate your hectic schedule.

Our scheduling is simple, and we provide you with a convenient location and appointment times. Call us or click here to make an appointment today.

What type of clothing should I wear to appointments?

Loose-fitting clothing that is comfortable for gentle exercises, as well as supportive sneakers, are generally good treatment options.

Wear clothes that allow the therapist easy access to your problem areas.

How much time should each appointment take?

Initial evaluations and follow up sessions are 40 minutes.

The length of time will be determined by your specific needs, which our therapist will discuss with you. Initially, you'll see your therapist once or twice a week, with more space between meetings as you progress through treatment.

What distinguishes physical therapy at Platinum Physical Therapy?

Why should every patient's treatment plan be the same? At Platinum Physical Therapy, we believe in creating individualized treatment plans for each and every patient. When you visit our clinic, you will be subjected to a series of tests to determine the cause of your injury or illness.

Your physical therapist may inquire about your medical history or request that you perform specific movements or exercises so that any problems can be observed firsthand. Your therapist will then tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Such methods include joint mobilization, neuromuscular reeducation, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise. We do our best to maintain the same therapist throughout your care to ensure continuity and a better relationship between you and your healthcare provider.

Can I benefit from physical therapy treatments?

You most certainly can! Physical therapy can benefit everyone. We can work with you and your doctor to discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is the right choice for you. Make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members today to learn more about how PT can help you.

Do physical therapy treatments hurt?

Physical therapy is intended to relieve pain rather than aggravate it. However, as your mobility is restored, your pain levels may fluctuate. You may experience some discomfort as a result of using weakened or recovering muscles. Rest assured that this is a common side effect of physical therapy and should not be interpreted negatively.

Communication with our therapist will aid in the reduction of any discomfort you may experience during your physical therapy treatments. We want you to feel better and resume your normal activities as soon as possible.

What do I need to know about physical therapy?

The overall goal of physical therapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while also preventing the injury or pain from recurring.

Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the source of your pain, and collaborate with you to manage or eliminate it completely.

Physical therapists are medical professionals with advanced training who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They work with doctors to make sure your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible. Physical therapy is a hands-on, medical approach to pain relief and function restoration.

While each patient's condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain and restore function as quickly as possible.

How is the progress of my physical therapy treatment tracked?

You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation activities.

Keeping track of your pain and mobility levels as you progress through your physical therapy program is the most obvious way to measure your improvement and progress.

What should I do to get ready for my first appointment?

Please contact us to confirm your insurance benefits. We will try to provide you with a coverage estimate.

Please do the following to prepare for your first appointment:

  • Print the patient forms, complete them, and bring them with you if possible. If you are unable to do so or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow extra time when you arrive to complete these forms.
  • To maximize your time in your evaluation, arrive 15 minutes early to complete any outstanding paperwork.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to get to your problem areas easily.
  • Bring your insurance information with you so that we can make a copy for your records.
  • Please bring your physical therapy prescription (if necessary) from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • Bring the contact names, phone numbers, and claim number of any case manager or insurance adjuster in the event of an automobile accident or worker's compensation claim.
How is physical therapy different for older people?

Changes in strength, flexibility, and balance that occur with age increase the risk of falling. We will investigate your medical history and determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk at our Ashland, Hopkinton, & Milford, MA clinics.

We understand that as we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to certain health risks. Fortunately, physical therapy can help alleviate some of the health issues that your body may encounter as it ages. If you need pain relief, Platinum Physical Therapy can help! Contact us right away for more information.

Why is physical therapy taking longer than I expected?

Everyone is unique, and so are their pain conditions! You will have access to a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs and goals at Platinum Physical Therapy. Throughout your recovery, our team will provide constant feedback and allow for program refinement to ensure optimal results. This could take several weeks or months.

Throughout each session, we will keep you informed of your progress. If you have any questions or concerns about the duration of your treatment plan, please consult with your physical therapist. We are here to assist you throughout this process by providing clarity.

Do you offer treatment for my condition at your clinic?

You can trust that our therapists are qualified to assess and treat your condition.

Our physical therapists are state-licensed and have earned a master's or doctorate level degree from accredited physical therapy programs, depending on the university.

Physical therapists have spent years studying anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and a variety of other medical sciences at the university level. You're in good hands!

When can I expect to feel better?

Because each patient's diagnosis is unique, our therapist will collaborate with you and your referring physician to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Your physical therapist will determine your treatment plan and the number of visits needed during your first visit. If you have any questions about the length of your treatment plan, please contact your physical therapist. Our team is available to assist you and answer your questions.

Can I keep seeing a therapist even if I’m feeling better?

Yes, after your therapy sessions are completed, our therapist will go over your at-home continuing therapy program with you.

We can also have you meet with one of our PTs at our Gym location in Milford to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would be beneficial in your ongoing recovery.

What are the office policies I should be aware of?

If you are unable to attend your appointment please call us at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time to notify us. Any appointments that are missed and not rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance will incur a non-refundable charge of 50 dollars.

We also ask that if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, you reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can keep our patients and employees safe and healthy.