Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Billing

What types of payments are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards over the phone as well as in office. In addition cash, checks, and money orders are accepted at the front desk of each of our offices.

Where can I get a copy of my billing records?

All requests for billing records can be made to the billing office at (800) 322-4606.

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Occupational Therapy

Do you accept my insurance?

A member of our staff will call and verify your benefits prior to your first visit.

How many times can I be seen?

The number of therapy visits allowed depends on your individual plan. Our therapists and staff will work together to submit paperwork required by some insurance companies to have visits authorized.

Do I have to pay a co-pay each visit?

If your plan has a co-pay, you are required to pay that amount at each visit.

Are splints covered?

Each plan is different and for that reason, we must contact your insurance provider to find out what your plan covers. If you are coming right over from seeing the doctor, we will try to call prior to making the splint. If we are unable to get through to the insurance company, the patient has the choice of scheduling an appointment to come back after the benefits have been verified or accepting responsibility for the cost of the splint without knowing what insurance will cover.

Do you offer early morning or evening appointments?

Appointments starting 7am are available in all of our offices at least 2 days per week. Hamilton and Langhorne offer evening appointments until 5pm.

Will I see the same therapist every time?

We do our best to keep patients with the same therapist each visit to maintain continuity of care. There may be some exceptions for vacation coverage or to accommodate a patient’s schedule.

How long are therapy sessions?

Treatments usually last somewhere between 45-60 minutes.

Do you have a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?

We do have a CHT on staff.

Do you treat children?

We treat patients of all ages who are experiencing limited hand and upper extremity function due to an orthopedic problem. We are not set up to treat children with sensory integration issues or those having trouble with hand writing.

Do you accept patients from outside doctors?

We are happy to treat patients from outside doctors with appropriate prescriptions and diagnosis!

How often do I have to come to therapy?

The frequency of your treatment depends on several factors including: diagnosis, prescription from doctor, progression in therapy and adherence to home exercise programs.

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Physical Therapy

If I have been injured in an auto accident and I have a doctor’s prescription for physical therapy, do I have to wait for authorization?

No, legally you are allowed to go anywhere for therapy. It is the therapist's obligation to get authorization.

Do I have to see a physician at MBO to go to therapy there?

No, as long as we accept your insurance you can come for therapy at MBO with a prescription from any physician

Do I need a prescription at all for physical therapy?

Not necessarily, in New Jersey physical therapy is by law "direct access". Meaning you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a physician prescription. However many insurances require a doctor's prescription to authorize therapy, if you are interested please call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask them if you can see a therapist without a physician's prescription.

Do I have to go to MBO therapy if I saw an MBO physician?

No, you can go anywhere your insurance allows you to go. Reasons you may want to see an MBO therapist is:
Therapists have direct communication to your physician regarding your care, there is availability of medical staff in the event you need urgent attention and our therapists are highly skilled and experienced in orthopedic care.

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Pre-Certifications/ Pre-Admission Testing

How long does it take to get an MRI Pre-certified?

Authorization Time – For most insurances, it takes 7 business day to get an MRI pre-certified. For Horizon NJ Health patients it takes 15 business days (insurance policy).

What happens if an MRI is denied?

Denial goes to physician who decides to appeal or follow recommendations of insurance company. Physician is notified of denial and the physician's assistant will contact the patient.

How long does it take to get visco supplementation injections pre-certified?

Verification of benefits is sent to your insurance company. Each insurance company has it’s own procedures. It usually takes 1 week to verify benefits. Once approval is obtained you will be contacted by Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics to schedule appointments for the injections.

How long does it take to get a prescription authorization?

We don't know if a prescription requires authorization until notified by the Pharmacy. If a prescription needs authorization, it usually takes 72 business hours from the time the insurance company is contacted.

Where do I need to go to get pre-admission testing prior to surgery?

Patients having surgery at a hospital must go to that hospital for Pre-Admission Testing.

If you are going to an Ambulatory Surgical Center, you can get the testing done at the lab your insurance requires you to go, but we must be notified of where the testing took place so we can obtain the results.

Some insurance companies require 15 business days to authorize surgery unless it is emergent.
Horizon NJ Health requires 15 business day to authorize.

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Appointment Preparation

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring a form of ID and your insurance card.
Bring a written list of medications, both over-the-counter and prescriptions, vitamins, and herbs.
Copies of recent testing and studies with reports.
Bring written questions. Sometimes there is a lot of information being exchanged and we can get off track. If you have a list of questions, we can ensure that all of them get answered.
If you can, bring someone with you. It is good to have a second set of ears listening to the information and will be able to better help you process it after the appointment.

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Motor Vechicle Accident (MVA)

I was injured in a motor vehicle accident and need to be treated by a MBO doctor. What information do I need from my auto insurance company in order to schedule an appointment?

We will need the name of your auto insurance carrier, your claim number, date of accident, and the PIP or medical adjuster name and number. We will authorize your treatment with the PIP or medical adjuster.

What does PIP mean and what is a PIP Adjuster?

PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection which is an extension of your auto insurance policy covering medical expenses. Pennsylvania and New Jersey both require PIP coverage but not all states do. Your PIP adjuster handles your medical claims and not the collision damage to your vehicle.

I need to see a doctor for injuries due to a Motor Vehicle. Accident why are you requesting my personal medical information?

Auto insurance policies vary from policy to policy and if your medical benefits under your auto insurance policy are exhausted we will then submit the bill to your personal health plan as a secondary insurance.

I am being treated under my Motor Vehicle Insurance policy why do I need a referral to see a specialist?

In the event that your medical benefits are exhausted under your auto insurance policy we will then submit to your personal health insurance plan. If under your health insurance plan your normally need a referral to see a specialist we will need this referral on file once a bill is to be submitted to your health insurance carrier.

I gave you my auto insurance information for authorization of my treatment but I am being told that my health insurance is primary. How is that possible?

Under your auto insurance policy you may have selected an option that designates your health insurance as primary for your medical coverage. Under this option your own personal health insurance plan will be placed primary over your auto insurance policy. Check with your auto insurance carrier to see if your coverage selected the health insurance primary option.

I was hit by someone else and they are claiming fault over my accident. Why do you need my auto insurance information?
The medical treatment rendered in lieu of your accident will be authorized under your own auto insurance policy.

I scheduled my first visit with a MBO doctor under my Motor Vehicle claim. What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Photo ID, health Insurance card with referral if needed, auto insurance information and claim number. Also if you had radiology studies such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT performed in lieu of your accident please bring copies of the report or disk. Lastly if you were treated by another medical provider for injuries sustained in a MVA please bring a copy of the last office visit note or discharge instructions for the doctor to review.

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Workers' Compensation

What information do I need in order to schedule an appointment with a MBO doctor under my Workers' Compensation claim?

You need the date the incident happened, the name of the Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier, your claim number, and the name and phone number of the adjuster assigned to your claim. We will then contact the Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier to authorize your treatment.

Do I need to tell my boss if I was hurt on the job?

Yes, inform your supervisor immediately if you were injured during the scope of work.

Does Pennsylvania and New Jersey have different Workers' Compensation Laws?

Yes, each state has specific laws. You can access each state website at the following:

How do I know if my claim is a New Jersey or Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation claim?

Contact your employer with this question as they will advise you accordingly.

I scheduled my first appointment with a MBO doctor under a Workers' Compensation claim. What do I need to bring with me for my first appointment?

Photo ID, Workers' Compensation Insurance information and claim number. Also if you had radiology studies such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT performed in lieu of your work related incident please bring copies of the report or disk. Lastly if you were treated by another medical provider for injuries sustained due to a work related incident please bring a copy of the last office visit note or discharge instructions for the doctor to review.

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