Thank you for choosing AthletiCo to assist you in your rehabilitation process.   As our patient, you are our partner in rehabilitation.  Together, we will work as one team to reach your goals.  At times, the road to recovery may present challenges, but with our expert knowledge and resources, AthletiCo will be there to make sure your body performs at its peak-today, tomorrow and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

PATIENT EDUCATION
When does someone need Physical Therapy?
What is Physical Therapy?
What is Occupational/Hand Therapy?
What is a Hand Therapist?

PRIOR TO VISIT
What is a Complimentary Injury Screen?
How do I set up an appointment to receive Physical Therapy? Occupational/Hand Therapy?
How do I make an appointment?
How do I find an AthletiCo facility?
Who is involved in my rehabilitation?
Will my physician be involved in my rehab?
Does AthletiCo provide transportation services?
Does AthletiCo provide translators?
How long does the billing process take?
What is the initial evaluation?
What should I bring or wear to my first visit to AthletiCo?
What happens if I am running late?

APPOINTMENTS
What can I expect through therapy?
How can I provide feedback?
What are your payment policies for services such as massage therapy, personal training, performance enhancement, fitness center memberships or gift certificates?
What is your refund policy on fee for services such as massage therapy, personal training, performance enhancement, gift certificates, or fitness center memberships?
What is your cancellation policy for fee for services such as massage therapy, personal training, performance enhancement, gift certificates, or fitness center memberships?
Do you offer Gift Certificates?

Consumer Education
When does someone need Physical Therapy?
Research has proven that physical therapy can help individuals avoid surgeries in some instances.  A combination of manual physical therapy and supervised exercise can delay or prevent the need for surgery.  Pursuing an exercise program designed by a physical therapist can be one of the best protections from injury and surgery.  We at AthletiCo recommend you speak to your healthcare provider about prescribing physical therapy before other methods such as prescription medication.

What is Physical Therapy?
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “Physical therapists apply research and proven techniques to help people get back in motion. All physical therapists are required to receive a graduate degree – either a masters or a clinical doctorate -- from an accredited physical therapist program before taking the national licensure examination that allows them to practice. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices. They are trusted health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose, and then prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function in daily life.”

What is Occupational/Hand Therapy?
According to the American Society of Hand Therapists, “Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity of the human body.  Hand therapists are occupational therapists or physical therapists who, through extra training and experience, have specialized knowledge of upper extremity function. Using specialized skills in assessment and treatment, hand therapists work with their clients to prevent injury or impairment, restore functional activity, and enhance participation in daily life.”

What is a Hand Therapist?
According to the American Society of Hand Therapists, “A hand therapist is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. A hand specialist may also have advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).”

PRIOR TO VISIT
What is a Complimentary Injury Screen?
If you have an injury and are not certain what you should do about it, you can set up an appointment at any of our locations for a complimentary injury screening.  Click here for more information.

How do I set up an appointment to receive Physical Therapy? Occupational/Hand Therapy?
In order to receive physical or occupational therapy, you will need to obtain a prescription from a healthcare provider.  In the state of Illinois, it is your choice as to which rehabilitation company you decide to utilize.  Your healthcare provider may assist you with identifying specific rehabilitation companies or you can utilize your insurance companies list of “in network” providers that fit within your coverage.  Ultimately the decision is yours, and at AthletiCo we are committed to putting YOU FIRST.

How do I make an appointment?
Please visit our location page for a list of the closest location to you for physical or occupational therapy.  A list of all phone numbers is included to contact to set up your appointment.  An office coordinator will assist with the finding an appointment that is convenient for your schedule as our offices are opened before and after work hours and on Saturdays.  We accommodate new patients for their first appointment within 24-48 hours of their initial call.

How do I find an AthletiCo facility?
Please visit our location page for a list of the closest locations to you for physical or occupational therapy.  Our locations provide state-of-the art equipment and technology and a safe environment.  We have a quality assurance department to regulate safety while onsite for your therapy.

Who is involved in my rehabilitation?
Your rehabilitation will be overseen by your physician and supervised by your clinician, with assistance from ancillary and administrative staff.  After a comprehensive evaluation, goal assessment, and treatment plan, you will be scheduled for a return visit/(s) based upon your physician and clinician’s recommendation. AthletiCo’s primary objective is to help you achieve your rehabilitation and treatment goals and prevent further injury/dysfunction. 

At each location, our clinical staff consists of several skilled rehabilitation professionals who frequently collaborate with each other to enhance the approach to individualized treatment plans.  We believe this insures the goals of the patient are met. We utilize a network of rehabilitation aides and other clinically trained staff, such as certified athletic trainers, massage therapists, and performance enhancement specialist, to enhance patient experience and to reach a common goal.  Our teamwork allows for the dynamic healing atmosphere that is flexible by design for the benefit of the patient.  AthletiCo’s primary objective is to help you achieve your rehabilitation and treatment goals and prevent further injury/dysfunction.  These staff work under the direction of your PT or OT to provide you with the best possible care.

AthletiCo offers additional services to maximize your progress. Many centers offer massage therapy and personal training as well as full service health club amenities.  Please see our Fitness page for the closest facility offering these services.

Will my physician be involved in my rehab?
The physician/therapist relationship is an important one in order to effectively serve our patients. After your evaluation and assessment, a detailed copy of your evaluation will be sent to your physician. Likewise, progress notes will be sent to update your doctor on advancement toward your stated goals. AthletiCo will work diligently to educate you and assist you in returning to your optimal function level as soon as possible.

Does AthletiCo provide transportation services?
You have enough to deal with.  Don’t let not being able to drive slow your recovery.  AthletiCo is committed to your well-being and comprehensive care, which is why we reimburse patients who require transportation.  Patients with transportation needs should submit required documents to their treating therapist for approval, secure transportation, and pay for it up front at the time of service.  Upon submission of required receipts and documentation, AthletiCo reimburses patients on a monthly basis. Certain restrictions apply to Medicare and worker’s compensation patients.  Contact our office coordinator at one of our locations to learn more about this service.

Does AthletiCo provide translators?
To promote effective communication, foreign language and sign language interpreters are available at no cost to patients and clients.

How long does the billing process take?
Once you have scheduled your appointment and have provided insurance information, as a courtesy we will verify your health insurance benefits for physical and/or occupational therapy.  Additionally, you will receive a copy of your benefits as quoted from your insurance company to us.   Please note that insurance quotes are not a guarantee of benefits or coverage.   The following is intended to help you better understand our billing process:
Your therapist will forward your daily charge to our Billing Center.
The billing office then submits these charges to your insurance company for reimbursement. 
AthletiCo generally receives payment within 30-60 days.
AthletiCo will provide you with an invoice after your insurance has paid or made a decision on services rendered (usually within 30-60 days)
We encourage you to review and confirm your rehabilitation benefits with your insurance company as they may differ from your standard medical coverage.  Please feel free to contact our Billing Center at 630-575-6250, if you would like a record of your charges prior to you receiving your bill.   Although it may take 30-60 days to receive a bill for your deductible and co-insurance, all co-pays are expected at time of service.   We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

What is the initial evaluation?
Please arrive 10-15 minute prior to your evaluation in order to complete the appropriate paper work or you can download the paperwork from our website and have filled out prior to appointment to make the process easier.  At that time, our office staff will review your personal explanation of rehabilitation benefits quoted from your insurance provider.  During your first visit, your therapist will conduct an initial evaluation to assess your current condition.  Your initial evaluation may consist of objective findings and testing followed by an appropriate treatment plan, encompassing a home-exercise program, and discussing the length and frequency of your rehabilitation.   A copy of your Initial Evaluation will be sent to your physician.  You and your therapist, in cooperation with your physician, will determine what goals are to be achieved during physical or occupational therapy.  To ensure clear and concise communication to your doctor and insurance provider, your therapist will use electronic documentation during each visit to document your treatment and progression toward these goals.  Please plan for a 30 minute to 1 hour assessment.

What should I bring or wear to my first visit to AthletiCo?
Remember to wear clothes that are suitable for your treatment.   Please also bring your insurance card, the prescription you received from your healthcare provider and any other reports/paperwork/results that you may have as well.  Should you be using any medical assisted devices such as a brace, splint or crutches, please ensure you bring to your visits.

What happens if I am running late?
If you are running late, please call and let us know so that we can accommodate your schedule.  We ask that you be on time to all appointments; however, we do understand that situations arrive where you may be late.   If you are running late, please call and let us know so that we can accommodate your schedule.  To avoid a $30 cancellation fee, please give us 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment.  If charged, you will see this fee added to your next statement.

APPOINTMENTS
What can I expect through therapy?

Although it depends on your diagnosis and general condition, your follow-up appointments may consist of:
Therapeutic Exercises
Manual Therapy
Modalities (electrical & thermal)
Review of your home-exercise program and your goals
Patient Education
Functional/Activity-Specific Exercises
Massage Therapy

In about four weeks, your therapist will complete a Progress Summary that will either be mailed or faxed to your physician, so please inform us of any upcoming follow-up visits you have with your doctor.   This letter will inform your physician of your progress in therapy and will generally give one of the following recommendations:

A request for the approval of additional physical or occupational therapy for a specified amount of time.  Generally, your physician signs a prescription that is attached to your Progress Note and returns it to us.  The prescription is necessary in order to continue with care.  As a courtesy to you, we will contact your physician’s office for an additional prescription.  However, it is ultimately your responsibility to follow up with your physician to ensure the prescription is signed and returned to our office.

or

 A recommendation to discharge you from therapy.  Your physician may choose to discharge you if you have met your goals, or are no longer progressing in therapy, or at her/his discretion.

How can I provide feedback?
Please communicate your needs or questions to your clinician at any point. AthletiCo takes all feedback from patients seriously and appreciates your input. At some point during or after your rehabilitation, we encourage you to complete a Patient Satisfaction Survey either online or in one of our centers.

What are your payment policies for services such as massage therapy, personal training, performance enhancement, fitness center memberships or gift certificates?
AthletiCo offers additional services to better expedite your progress.   Many centers offer massage therapy and personal training as well as fitness center memberships.  Payment for all services must be paid in full before the services are provided.   If you have an existing account of file, these services can be automatically deducted from your account.   If you have not set up an account with us, you will be asked to provide us with a valid credit card.

What is your refund policy on fee for services such as massage therapy, personal training, performance enhancement, gift certificates, or fitness center memberships?
All services purchased are non-refundable.   We will not refund the full or partial price for any unused services, packages or gift certificates purchased.

What is your cancellation policy for fee for services such as massage therapy, personal training, performance enhancement, gift certificates, or fitness center memberships?
All AthletiCo clients must give 24-hour notice for cancellation or rescheduling of their appointments.   Please be aware that failure to do so will result in the full session charge or the loss of one session from your previously purchased package. Please be prompt for your scheduled appointments.   If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment, you may have to be rescheduled and will be charged for the session.   This is for the benefit of you, other clients and the instructor.   When able, please schedule your appointments in advance to ensure the times you need.

Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Gift Certificates are available for purchase within all AthletiCo facilities.   Gift certificates can only be redeemed from the AthletiCo clinic they were issued.   They can only be redeemed for the services listed and cannot be used as cash towards other services.   Gift certificates are non-refundable and must be redeemed 6 months from the date they were issued.

For further questions about Physical Therapy services and requirements, please click here – American Physical Therapy Association

For further questions about Occupational/Hand Therapy services and requirements, please click here – American Society