FAQ

A centralized call center schedules all outpatient therapy for rehabilitation services. The call center can assist patients or the referring doctors with scheduling an appointment at the most convenient location.

• The patient or referring provider may call the appointment scheduling line at 952-993-5900.
• To schedule an appointment in wound care, call 952-993-6741.
• To schedule an appointment with physical medicine and rehabilitation, call 952-993-3800.

Appointment lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• To cancel or reschedule a therapy appointment, call Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 952-993-5900.
• If you are calling after-hours, leave your cancellation message at 952-993-0603
• To cancel a wound clinic appointment, call 952-993-6741.
• To cancel an appointment for physical medicine and rehabilitation, call 952-993-3800.

The referring health professional completes and signs a written referral form, including patient's diagnosis and the requested services. The referral form (PDF) can be downloaded and printed from our Web site.

A written referral for treatment can be given directly to the patient. The patient or provider also may call the appointment scheduling line at 952-993-5900.

Referrals are generally valid for 60 days after the doctor visit, so patients are encouraged to schedule their initial appointment as soon as possible. After the initial evaluation, the therapist will send the referring professional a written care plan for their signature, indicating agreement with the treatment plan. This care plan should be signed and returned as soon as possible to meet regulatory requirements.

A patient may self-refer to a physical medicine doctor, or they can be referred by another doctor. We recommend you first check with your insurance company. To contact physical medicine and rehabilitation, call 952-993-3800.

Doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists (with appropriate diagnosis) and podiatrists can refer patients. All outpatient services must have a referral from a health care professional licensed by the State of Minnesota.

State law allows direct access to physical therapy for a period of 30 days; however, most insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Speech pathology and occupational therapy always require a referral.

The length of your therapy will depend on the individualized care plan established by you and your therapist and approved by the referring doctor. Together you will set up realistic, time-related treatment goals. Treatment will end when these are met, or when no more progress can be made.

It is important to take an active role in your rehabilitation. This includes attending your scheduled appointments, following through with home programs and having open discussion about your progress with your therapist.

Following an initial evaluation, an individualized plan and time-specific goals are developed by you and your therapist. Your plan will vary depending on the complexity of your rehabilitation needs. Based on your insurance, you may share part of the cost. Call the patient access liaison for more information at 952-993-5586.

Contact your insurance company or employer for benefit clarification. You may want to address the following.

• Do my medical benefits for rehabilitation services differ between Park Nicollet Clinic-based or Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital-based services? (See regulations and guidelines for a complete list for each.)
• Identify which therapy you will be receiving (occupational therapy, speech pathology, physical therapy)

Physical therapists are health care professionals who provide services to patients of all ages to help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, limit permanent physical disability and ease suffering from injury or disease. Physical therapists have bachelor's, master's or doctorate degrees from an accredited physical therapy education program, and pass a licensure exam before beginning to practice therapy. More about physical therapy.

Physiatrists are physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors who help patients restore function in the major systems of the body. Physiatrists are certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. More about physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Occupational therapists are health care professionals who help patients improve their ability to perform daily living and working tasks and teach them to use adaptive equipment. They provide comprehensive evaluation, education and treatment for physical, cognitive, visual or psychosocial impairments. Their goal is to help patients have independent, productive and satisfying lives. Occupational therapists receive a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited institution, and are nationally certified. More about occupational therapy.

Speech pathologists are professionals who assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, fluency and other related disorders. Speech pathologists have master’s or doctoral degrees and receive a Certificate of Clinical Competence after completing a clinical fellowship. More about speech pathology

Chiropractors help patients maintain normal function of the spine and upper and lower extremities. Chiropractors complete four years of graduate-level training at accredited institutions, including extensive academic and clinical training. More about chiropractic care.

Home-care rehabilitation services include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Rehabilitation Services works closely with the home-care nursing team or hospice team to provide comprehensive care. Social workers and home health aides also are available through home-care.

A person does not need to be bedridden to be considered homebound. If the person’s condition would require a considerable and taxing effort to leave the home, or if the individual should not leave the home except for medical reasons, home-care is appropriate. Find out more.

Treatments frequently require health care products that rehabilitation professionals will recommend and often provide at your visit, along with instructions fur use. For health care items that are not needed immediately or that may need replenishing, you can choose to purchase them from an outlet of your choice.

As a convenience, you are welcome to use The Stores @ Park Nicollet “product finder,” which allows you to search for health care items by condition, and offers the option of purchasing items online or at Park Nicollet Clinic-based stores.