General Questions

Why all the questions?
The receptionist will ask you to fill out a patient information form. These questions are necessary so the doctor can obtain essential data about you. Your occupation, age, etc. are important because it has a bearing upon your health and physical status. If you have insurance claims made out by this office, all of these items are necessary to complete the forms.

ALL INFORMATION GIVEN TO US IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

You will be asked to sign an authorization for release of information and authorization to pay the doctor directly by the insurance company for charges incurred.

How do I get started?
All new patients need to fill out a Patient Information Form, Review of Systems form and Eligibility Form - and please fill out whichever form applies to your particular problem: a general orthopedic form, a knee form, a shoulder form. Note that each new patient will fill in 4 different forms. All forms are available as downloadable PDF's in the Patient Forms section.

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Insurance Questions

What is an Impairment Rating?
An Impairment Rating is a means of determining relative inability to function normally. If you have been hurt, your ability to return to full function may be compromised or impaired. Most often an employer or insurance company will seek an impairment rating fllowing the completion of all treatment of your on-the-job injury.

How long does it take to get an Impairment Rating?
Time to receive your Impairment Rating is variable. Some doctors declare an impairment rating for their patients shortly after discharge from treatment. Some insurance companies require a so-called IME (Independent Medical Evaluation) by another physician who has never treated the patient.

What insurance plans do you accept?
Please refer to the Insurance section for a complete list.

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Physcial Therapy Questions

Why was my Physical Therapy so long getting started?
Once your doctor writes an order for Physical Therapy, several things happen depending on your insurance. If you have a PPO, the process is usually simple and with a couple of phone calls, timely scheduling, you are ready to begin. If you have an HMO, the process becomes much more cumbersome. Referrals have to be made, pre-certifications have to be sought, paper and credentials are sent to whichever facility is listed by your HMO as a provider (unfortunately this is often not at the Arlington Orthopedic Associates facility) and then that provider needs to contact you regarding your appointment to start therapy. While we at Arlington Orthopedic Associates have control over our facility and make it as convenient as possible for our patients, we have no control over other providers. You, as the patient, in some cases will need to make phone calls to the facility designated by your HMO in order to start therapy in a timely manner.

What insurance plans do you accept for Physical Therapy?
Please refer to our Insurance section for a complete list.

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Bone Density F.A.Q.

Please click here to visit an informative website regarding Bone Density.

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