Question by Dara: Emergency question on physical therapists?
I’m onlly 19 years old but I’m already having a breakdown on my knee cartilage and it’s causing intense pain in my knees and making it hard to stand.

My doctor took xrays and refferred me to physical therapy.

The thing is my doctor referred me to an “outpatient rehab” which is also connected to the same hospital. But since it’s considered hospital facilities they charge me $ 50 for my copayment ANNNND i need to go three times a week!!

That’s $ 150 each week!!

But when i went for my first time yesterday i loved my physical therapist, he pinpointed everything that was happening with my legs, feet, and knees and helped me understand what was going on and what we needed to do and we did a few strenghtening exercises.

But i would rather go somewhere else for cheaper, know what i’m saying?

I’m afraid if i go somewhere else though i’m going to get a physical therapist that doesn’t know what he/she is talking about and won’t do me any good.

The last physical therapist i saw 2 months ago must have been on crack. He said my knee cartilage was wearing down because i don’t have perfect posture.

That’s ridiculous it’s wearing down because i used to be in running & cardio 5 hours a day 5 times a week for 3 months straight last year and thats when my knee pain began.

Anyway, should i just suffer and pay the extra money to the physical therapist that i feel comfortable with or should i risk it and go somewhere else for MUUCH cheaper?

And do most physical therapists know what they’re talking about?

Best answer:

Answer by mistify
This is a very common reason for PTs to see patients…issues with the cartilage. Posture may certainly play an important role, but it can be over emphasized. $ 50 is a high co-payment. However, even if you go to a cheaper clinic, you might still have the same co-pay. I would see how your ins. company determines your co-pay…sometimes it’s a flat rate (like $ 50) no matter how long the session…most times, it’s 20% based on allowable prenegotiated rates.

Check into this before switching therapists.

In my experience, most people with this problem don’t really need to go 3 times a week. Hopefully, you will be able to stick it out with your current therapist with follow up visits only for progression of your home program.

Another option I offer to patients with high co-payments is to do shorter sessions. A 30 minute session as opposed to a 45 or 60 minute session can often be just as effective.

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Grandview Care Center Outpatient Rehab featuring Secure Tracks – www.sunhealthseniorliving.org/Grandview In June 2012, Grandview Care Center was granted Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licensure to open Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at the health care center located at Sun Health Senior Living’s Grandview Terrace at 14505 W. Granite Valley Dr. The facility is located on the campus of Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center. The new service offering gives GVCC another line of service to add to those that have always been available at the five-star rated facility. Grandview Care Center now offers outpatient services in the areas of physical, occupational and speech therapies. To schedule an appointment for outpatient services, please call (623) 455-7607. “Our experienced leadership team at Grandview Care Center has more than 150 years of combined service in the West Valley,” said Sharon Grambow, chief operating officer of Sun Health Senior Living. “This new unit was created in response to a growing need for expanded rehabilitation services in the area.” In 2012, Grandview Care Center received national acclaim from US News & World Report, and it is consistently ranked “excellent” with five-star ratings from ADHS as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 

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