Telemedicine at Performance Rehab – How it Works

Telemedicine is defined as the use of electronic communication and technology to remotely provide healthcare information and services.  This allows for more flexibility when it comes to providing essential healthcare, such as physical therapy and medical consultations, to our patients who are unable to come into the office due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Here is a comprehensive list of FAQ’s regarding how this works at Performance.

If you are scheduled for a TeleVisit at Performance Rehab, here are some ways you can prepare for your one-on-one time with the Doctor:

Technology:  You can use a tablet, smartphone (iphone or android), or Laptop with a camera and a strong internet connection.  You will receive a link for each appointment that will take you directly into a virtual waiting room.  (prepare to be hands free)

Timing:  Please arrive for your TeleVisit at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment time just in case you experience any technical hiccups.

Treatment space:  Please choose a quiet place with little to no background noise, adequate lighting and if possible, a solid background/wall behind you.  You’ll need some open space to allow for free range of motion.  On subsequent appointments, you’ll also want to prepare your space with any equipment the Doctor has previously recommended you have on hand for your exercises prior to your appointment time.

Attire:  You can dress comfortably for movement just as you would for an in-person visit.

**The day before each scheduled appointment, our Patient Care team will send you appointment confirmations with a link for your TeleVisit.  If and when additional visits are required, we will contact you to schedule these, but you can always feel free to contact our Patient Care team at 908.756.2424 to schedule additional visits.

TeleVisits FAQs

What are TeleVisits?

Telemedicine is defined as the use of electronic communication and technology to remotely provide healthcare services. We use the term TeleVisits, meaning virtual visits.  This allows for more flexibility when it comes to providing essential healthcare such as medical consultations and physical therapy services to our patients who are unable to come into the office due to the COVID-19 pandemic

What services are offered?

Performance Rehab currently offers two types of TeleVisits:  Physical Therapy appointments are referred to as TeleTherapy, and Medical appointments are referred to as Telemedicine.

What will this cost me?  Will insurance cover this?

We guarantee private payor reimbursement for TeleVisits.  Don’t stress out, we’ve got you covered!  Medicare and most major carriers not only will cover televisits, but they have just announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, copays are even being waived, in an effort to allow you to continue with the care you need without the burden of out of pocket cost. Specific questions can be addressed by one of our insurance verification specialists.

Is the quality of care the same as coming into the office?

The quality of televisits as a method of healthcare delivery is confirmed by decades of research and demonstrations.  Televisits have been found to be a safe, cost-effective and convenient way to provide healthcare services.  While coming into the office maximizes treatment and therapeutic benefit due to manual therapy (hands on) and physical modalities (muscle stimulation, laser, etc.), many of the services we offer in the office can be offered remotely.  Our doctors can work with you virtually to ensure that you are getting your necessary treatment and keeping you on the right track to getting you better.

What are my scheduling options?

The great news is that telemedicine offers a great deal of flexibility.  We can work with your schedule to ensure you get the appointment times that work best for you.

Will I work with the same doctors who treat me in the office?

The same doctors with whom you have worked closely in the clinic will work with you during your telemedicine session, so be prepared to see some familiar faces again!

Does remote physical therapy really work?

Multiple studies reflect the fact that patients are happy with the teletherapy experience.  In fact, the availability of video visits is quickly becoming a deciding factor when selecting healthcare providers of all types.

How will I know if I’m making progress?

TeleVisits will allow our doctors to track your progress much as they do in the clinic.  You will be working one-on-one with your provider and can ask him/her any questions you have while receiving valuable guidance throughout your treatment.  You can count on them tracking your progress and making adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary.

How often can I treat?

Your treatment plan will look very similar, if not identical, to your in-office treatment plan.  Most teletherapy treatment plans consist of 2-3 sessions per week.

What if I change my mind and want to come in?

As a licensed healthcare facility, Performance Rehab will remain open to serve our patients who are in pain if they’d prefer to be seen in the office.  If at any time, you feel you would rather come in for your treatment, we can certainly arrange for you to do so.  We have essentially eliminated our waiting rooms and have even established what we call PTZ’s (Personal Treatment Zones) in the office that are individualized with sterilized equipment and surroundings for each and every patient.  You will be personally and privately escorted directly to your PTZ.

What happens if I’m not getting better?

Again, our providers will carefully monitor your progress.  If they feel you are not making gains, they will adjust your treatment plan as necessary to get you back on track in the same way they do in the office.

What equipment will I need to be able to do this at home?

You will not need to purchase any special equipment.  Our providers have developed customized treatment plans that do not require any special equipment, but they can also help you use the household items available to you to enhance your treatment plan.  If they feel you need specific equipment, we will arrange to get you a Performance care package with the tools you need.

What technology is needed?

You will need some basic technology to utilize such as a smart phone (iphone or android), tablet or computer with a camera and a strong internet connection.  If you don’t have those, you can still treat in the office in one of our PTZ’s (private treatment zones), which are personalized, cordoned off areas designed to maintain a sterile treatment area for each patient.

What if I need to see a medical doctor, get a prescription or even a brace?

In an effort to meet your needs in this difficult time, our medical doctors WILL be available through telemedicine visits for consultations and follow-ups.  This will allow you to ask them questions, refill prescriptions, and more all in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Do I need a referral or prescription from my PCP?

The great news is that patients do NOT need referrals for telemedicine.  In addition, as always, Performance Rehabilitation is your one stop shop for your orthopedic healthcare needs.  As such, you do not need a prescription from you PCP to be treated here.

How can I make an appointment?

To schedule a televisit, please contact one of our patient care coordinators at 908.797.4537 or submit an appointment request and select TeleVisit.