Telehealth Services at Moriarty Physical Therapy
You Can Conveniently Receive Physical Therapy Treatment Remotely
At Moriarty PT, we offer telehealth services so that you can receive physical therapy treatments in the comfort of your own home. If possible, we like to do an initial consultation in person at one of our clinics to assess your specific situation, needs, and goals. Then we’ll work with you to determine whether telehealth makes sense for you. We will do everything we can to ensure telehealth is available to you if you want it.
Telehealth has been used for medical visits as well as mental health counseling, and it has become increasingly popular as a result of COVID-19 because meeting remotely can help reduce the spread of infection. It is a convenient way to receive the physical therapy you need without having to visit a clinic in person.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “the use of telehealth by PTs and PTAs is not only appropriate but is effective in delivering quality care and expanding patient access to that care.”
As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to receiving treatment virtually. It’s a benefit to patients who might not otherwise receive care if it were not for a virtual option like telehealth. It can be nearly as effective as in-person treatment as there are multiple at-home exercises that can be completed remotely with the guidance of a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Telehealth can also save you time and be more cost-effective, as well as fit more easily into your schedule.
That said, physical therapy is typically “hands-on,” so it can be a challenge to provide the exact same level of care remotely as when administered in person. That’s why we would prefer a hybrid approach, if possible. There’s also the unreliability of technology that can be a downfall of remote-based solutions like telehealth.
Who Is Telehealth Physical Therapy For?
An ideal candidate for telehealth therapy is a patient who is committed to their in-home treatment plan and taking an active role in their recovery.
Telehealth for physical therapy is a great option for those who don’t have easy access to transportation to get to and from appointments. It also works well for caregivers who have difficulty transporting a patient, as well for those who find it inconvenient to have to leave the home to come into the clinic, such as parents of young children or those who live in rural communities who would normally have to drive hours to reach the clinic. Telehealth can also work well for existing or returning patients who are familiar with physical therapy treatment.
Access to a computer or phone with video and microphone capabilities is a necessity for receiving treatment virtually, as is a reliable internet connection. You don’t have to be a tech genius by any means, but it is helpful to have at least some level of comfort with using technology.
How Does a Telehealth Visit Work?
A telehealth appointment is similar to an in-person session. After your initial assessment, which may take place in the clinic, you will schedule your virtual appointment.
With telehealth PT, you will still receive that one-on-one interaction with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Prior to the appointment, you’ll want to make sure you complete all the required forms and test your internet connection. We will provide you with a confirmation via text or email. You’ll also receive login details to ensure the appointment is private and secure, in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Remember to wear the same type of clothing you’d wear into the clinic––comfortable and easy to move in. We’ll let you know if there is any equipment needed for the appointment.
Find a quiet place with good lighting and plenty of space for you to perform the exercises as instructed by the doctor. Your doctor will walk you through the exercises, demonstrating how to do them properly, just as they would in person.
The virtual visit will last approximately X minutes. If you have any questions throughout, please be sure ask them.
You will likely have a few follow-up virtual sessions and may be asked to come into the clinic for any manual therapy or dry needling. *
*Only available in the North Carolina clinic
Other FAQs About Telehealth
Virtual visits can be just as effective as in-person treatment, but it does depend on the nature of the injury or patient’s condition. Often, we find that a hybrid approach is a good way to achieve optimal results. It’s possible that recovery may take longer when done completely remotely.
For patients who have had surgery, it is best that we see you in person––at least at first. Manual therapy is important early on in these situations. However, you may be able to conduct virtual visits later, as you get further along in your recovery.
Most physical therapy treatments can be done virtually. Our doctors provide you with numerous exercises that can be done in the comfort of your home with immediate feedback provided. However, manual therapy and dry needling must be done in person.
Regulations and laws are constantly changing, but generally speaking, insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of telehealth services. In most cases, coinsurance and deductibles apply, but some insurance providers may reduce or waive them for telehealth visits. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers certain telehealth services.
The costs can change, so it’s important to speak directly to your insurance provider to find out how much you will owe on services. We are happy to review your insurance coverage with you as well, to make sure you get the most out of your plan.
If you have insurance, you’ll want to check with your provider for copay amounts, but generally, they are lower with telehealth than with in-person visits. If you are using Direct Pay, telehealth treatment is X.
