Is parking available when attending physical therapy at the Pain Management?
The Pain Management Program is located on the fifth floor of The Nebraska Medical Center's Specialty Services Pavilion at 4350 Emile Street.
Parking is available in the main parking garage at 44th and Emile Street. Enter the Specialty Services Pavilion from the north or south entrance
and take the elevator to fifth floor.
How should a patient prepare before starting the program?
The best treatment for an individual’s pain can be determined after an evaluation by the physical therapist is completed. In the meantime,
continue with any previously prescribed exercise programs or useful self-management techniques you are currently doing.
What should a patient do to treat pain until starting treatment in the Pain Management Program?
No additional strategies can be recommended until the individual undergoes evaluation by the Pain Management Program clinical staff which
includes the clinical psychologists, nurses and physical therapists.
What makes the physical therapy treatments at the Pain Management Program different?
The physical therapists at the Pain Management Program have devoted study, education and clinical practice to provide therapies that either
are not provided by the typical acute care physical therapist or require the expertise of someone who works exclusively with individuals
with pain problems. As such, our physical therapists provide a specialist's view in the treatment of pain as well as
unique therapies and
exercise approaches that you would not receive from a traditional
physical therapist.
How soon can a patient receive treatment?
The amount of time before beginning treatment depends on the physical therapist's schedule. Pain Management Physical Therapy is a specialty
in which few clinicians participate. It may take a couple of weeks to several months before an appointment can be made. Regardless, it is
important to speak directly with the physical therapist to get on his or her waiting list. Being on the waiting list does not exclude a
patient from receiving treatments they are already getting or prevent them from getting other treatments they wish to pursue.
Does a patient need a medical doctor's referral to receive physical therapy treatment at the Pain Management Program?
The state of Nebraska does not require that an allopathic (medical), osteopathic, dental, chiropractic or naturopathic physician provide a
written or oral prescription in order for physical therapy to be provided. However, there are several insurance providers that do require a
written prescription. As a Medicare patient or if enrolled in an HMO, a physician's written prescription is required. In general, the physical
therapies provided at the Pain Management Program are sufficiently specialized that it is best for the referring physician to indicate the
following on the written physical therapy prescription:
- the patient's name
- the date of the recommendation/ prescription for physical therapy at the Pain Management Program
- the diagnosis(es), symptoms or functional issues for which the physician is requesting treatment
- a statement requesting ‘physical therapy evaluation and treatment'
Only if the referring physician is an HMO physician is it required that the physician specify the number of physical therapy treatments.
Making an appointment for treatment with the physical therapist
The physical therapy staff at the Pain Management Program manage their own schedules and you must contact each physical therapy staff member
directly to make, change or cancel appointments. Acquire the name and telephone number of the physical therapist by contacting the office staff.
Leave messages for the physical therapy staff, stating name, the reason for the contact and the best way to contact. Please take the time to
speak clearly when leaving messages.
What to expect during my first physical therapy appointment
Each patient is asked about their entire medical history. Prior to your first appointment, it is most helpful to take the time to write down
all of the treatments/ dates, surgeries/dates, pregnancies/dates and injuries/dates. Many times, seemingly unrelated medical issues turn out to be very relevant.
There will be an examination by the physical therapist. The types of examinations may include, but are not limited to a postural examination,
walking examination, biomechanical examination and myofascial examination. If an individual is being referred for
pelvic pain or urinary incontinence, an examination of the
pelvic floor muscles may also be necessary.
What to bring to physical therapy appointments
- all current contact information.
- current insurance information.
- a written authorization from your insurance provider or physician is necessary
- any relevant MRI/CT scans, X-rays and related reports (feel free to ask the physical therapist which are relevant)
- wear or bring loose, comfortable clothes including shorts or sweat pants, T-shirts, athletic shoes or socks
Should a family member accompany a patient to physical therapy appointments?
Generally, family members are not encouraged to be present during all treatment sessions because this can limit the interactions between you
and the physical therapist as you are questioned regarding your status and responses to treatment.
It is required that an adult (older than 21 years of age), preferably parent(s) or guardian(s), be present during evaluations and treatments
at all times for patients who are younger than 19 years of age.
When can a physical therapy appointment be scheduled?
Most physical therapy appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Because the physical therapy staff has more
than one clinical obligation, not all appointment times are available everyday of every week. The specific available appointment times
can be discussed with a physical therapy staff member directly.
Cancelling and rescheduling
To cancel or reschedule an appointment, contact the physical therapist staff member directly at his or her telephone number. When leaving
messages for the physical therapy staff, please be sure to state name, the reason for the contact and the best way to contact. Please take
the time to speak clearly when leaving messages.
Many of us have several obligations and responsibilities that make scheduling challenging at times. Sometimes it is necessary to change an
appointment that has already been made. Please be considerate of the physical therapy staff by calling no less than 24 hours prior to your
appointment to reschedule. Of course, there are times when this is not possible, but please inform the staff of a need to change the appointment
time as soon as possible. Simply not showing up without informing the staff is not good etiquette.
The Pain Management Program is not a typical clinic and it is not common that an appointment time that is cancelled can be filled by another person.
Unfortunately there are persons who abuse the time of staff by canceling and/or rescheduling frequently. If this should occur, the physical
therapist is likely to discuss this matter.
Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does insurance cover the costs for the Pain Management Program?
Insurance is checked on an individual basis on each potential candidate.
Who can help determine if insurance will cover the whole cost of the Pain Management Program?
Once it is determined that an individual is a candidate and start the Pain Program, financial counselors are on campus to assist each individual.
If not covered by insurance, the choices are
- elect to pay for the service yourself
- speak with a financial counselor at The Nebraska Medical Center
Does insurance pay meals and transportation?
Each patient is encouraged to speak with their case worker, social worker or insurance representative
