ORS FAQs

What is a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist specializes in therapy programs for musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, sports injuries and post-operative rehabilitation.

What is an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapists specialize in the treatment of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist & hand). The services provided by occupational therapists include patient education, joint range of motion, adaptive techniques, splinting and workplace evaluations. Our Occupational Therapists make up the Certified Hand Center, one of our affiliate companies, and offer services at ORS’s Rockford and Byron locations.

Where should I attend therapy? 

If your physician refers you for therapy, you have the right to attend therapy wherever you wish.

It’s important to know:

  • Certain therapists are more qualified to treat certain conditions. For optimal results, call your therapy provider to learn more about their specialties or qualifications.
  • Your insurance provider may limit the facilities you can attend. Please contact your insurance provider with questions regarding any coverage limitations.

What insurance does ORS accept? How will I know if my insurance covers therapy?

We accept most insurance carriers. Click on the Insurance tab on the site for more information, or call us with your insurance information and we will verify your coverage.

What are the hours of operation?

  • Rockford: Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm.
  • Dixon: Mon, Wed & Fri 7am-3:30pm / Tues & Thurs 9am-5:30pm.
  • Byron: Mon - Fri 7am-5:30pm / Wed – Closed.
  • Roscoe: Mon & Wed 9am-5pm / Tues & Thurs 7am-5pm / Fri 7am-4pm.

What do I need to bring with me?

For your first visit, bring along your completed paperwork that you downloaded. You will also need your signed Prescription/Referral form for therapy from your physician, sometimes referred to as your “script” for therapy. Be sure you have a Photo ID, like a valid Drivers License or School ID. Bring your insurance card or claim number and bring a list of any medications you are taking presently being sure to state respective dosage amounts. If you are covered by Workers' Compensation, complete the Workers Comp form and bring it to your first appointment. If you are covered by auto insurance, complete the Auto Accident form and bring it to your first appointment as well.

How should I dress?

You should plan on wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that will allow you unrestricted movement.

How long will my visit take?

You should expect to spend about 45-60 minutes on your first visit. Follow-up visits will vary depending upon your plan of care.

What happens on my first visit?

Your therapist will first conduct an initial evaluation to learn more about the current injury or condition that brought you to our clinic for care and treatment and to review your health history. Your therapist may examine such things as your strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, and check for swelling. They may also conduct additional clinical tests as well. They will begin to develop a custom treatment plan for you, including frequency and duration of future visits. If appropriate, your therapist may initiate treatment during your first visit. In addition to clinical treatment options, your therapist may design an individualized home exercise program to support your specific needs. Be sure to schedule follow-up appointments at the front desk before you leave.

Who will see me?

You will be evaluated by one of our experienced, licensed physical therapists. We make every effort to give you a one-on-one relationship to get to know you and maintain continuity of care. However, to accommodate specific appointment times, you may be treated by a physical therapist and/or physical therapist assistant who work together to ensure you are meeting your goals.

How do I make an appointment?

Making an appointment is easy…just give us a call at one of our locations listed in the locations and hours page…we’d love to talk to you. Or, schedule follow-up appointments at the front desk before you leave.

How does the billing process work?

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor’s office. When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

  1. The physical therapist bills your insurance company, Worker’s Comp, or you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes at usual and customary rates established for our geographical area.
  2. The payer processes this information and makes payments according to our contracted fee schedule (if any) and per your benefit plan.
  3. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment. The insurance company decides how much the patient owes the physical therapy clinic.
  4. The patient is expected to make payment on patient balances once patient statements are mailed to them.

It is important to understand that the steps listed above are a general outline of the billing and collection process. Group health insurance plans will generally pay within 2-6 weeks while workers compensation and auto carriers could take years to pay. Please refer to the current Release of Information/Financial Policy form (found on this website’s Patient Forms tab) for expectations we, as a clinic, have of our patients when it comes to payment.