Frequently Asked Questions
Do you only treat BU students?
Absolutely not! While BU students are referred to us for care, we receive referrals from medical care providers and satisfied former patients from throughout the Greater Boston area as well as nearby Brookline, Allston, Brighton, and Fenway neighborhoods.
Who refers patients to you?
Our referrals from the medical community come from throughout Boston, Brookline, Allston, Brighton, and Fenway and include primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, and other physical therapists. Affiliations of these providers include Boston’s major healthcare systems (Partners, Care Group, Boston Medical Center, Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Vangard, to name a few).
Are you part of Boston Medical Center?
No. We are an independent part of Boston University, but patients are referred to us from Boston Medical Center medical health care providers.
Do you accept my insurance?
We have listed some of our group provider numbers on the insurance information page, which you can cross-reference with your insurance company representative. You can also contact our staff with questions.
Why can’t I find you on my insurance company’s website?
Some insurance companies recognize our Tax Identification Name (Trustees of Boston University). Others choose to list individual providers instead of organizations. As part of our expansion, we have undergone several name changes from The Sargent Clinic, to BU Rehabilitation Services, and finally, to BU Physical Therapy Center. The good news is that if you have made it here, you are only a phone call away from an appointment.
What is the difference between physical therapy and sports physical therapy (sometime referred to as ‘sports medicine’)?
This varies from organization to organization, and sadly, sometimes is nothing more than a ploy to get you in the door. At BUPTC, we use the term ‘sports’ to denote the type of progressive care you will receive. You do not need to be an athlete to benefit from the excellent care athletes often receive.
Will a student or licensed physical therapist treat me?
You will always be treated by a licensed physical therapist. Just like any other practice, including private practices, we accept graduate student interns who are finishing their education and may work with one of our physical therapists. The physical therapist is always the director of your care, and you always have the right to decline intern involvement.
What is Telehealth?
With traditional Physical Therapy, patients meet in-person with a clinician to receive their care. With Telehealth, or virtual appointments, patients interact with their PT through an online, video-based platform. This eliminates the need to physically meet in order to receive expert care. Another difference is that the treatment approach is primarily centered on patient education and empowering the patient with their self-care program