Quick answers to the questions we hear every single day

I'm Mike Zagare, licensed physical therapist at Southern Steps In-Home Physical Therapy. Every day, I get calls from people with questions about in-home physical therapy and Medicare coverage. Some questions come up more than others, so I’ve compiled the top 20—with straightforward answers you can actually understand.

About Qualifying

1. “Am I homebound enough to qualify?”

If leaving home for a clinic appointment would be difficult, exhausting, or unsafe—yes, you're probably homebound enough. You don't have to be bedbound. You can still leave occasionally for essential trips.
Quick test: If the thought of getting dressed, navigating steps, riding in a car to a clinic, and doing therapy there sounds overwhelming, you likely qualify.
→ Read our complete Medicare coverage guide

2. “I can drive short distances. Does that disqualify me?”

Not necessarily. "Homebound" doesn't mean you can never drive. It means leaving home requires considerable effort and you do so infrequently. If you can drive to the corner store but couldn't handle regular trips to a PT clinic, you may still qualify.

3. “Can I still go to church on Sundays and qualify as homebound?”

Yes. Medicare allows for occasional trips for religious services, medical appointments, and essential errands. Going to church once a week doesn't disqualify you.

4. “Do I need to be over 65 to get Medicare-covered in-home PT?”

No. If you're under 65 but qualify for Medicare due to disability, the same coverage rules apply. You still need to be homebound with a doctor's order.

5. “What medical conditions qualify for in-home PT?”

Common ones include recent surgery, fall risk, balance problems, post-hospitalization, arthritis limiting mobility, COPD, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, chronic pain, and general weakness or deconditioning.
If you have a legitimate medical condition requiring skilled PT intervention and you're homebound, you likely qualify.
→ See complete list of qualifying conditions

About Getting Started with In-home Physical Therapy in Greenville

6. “Do I need a doctor's prescription first, or can I just call you?”

You can call us first. We'll assess your situation and help coordinate with your doctor if appropriate. Or your doctor can order it directly and send the order to us.

7. “My doctor hasn't mentioned in-home PT. Can I ask for it?”

Absolutely. Many doctors don’t think to offer it unless you ask. Call your doctor’s office and say:
“I’m having difficulty with [your issue] and I can’t safely get to a clinic. Can the doctor evaluate me for a home health physical therapy order?”

8. “How long does it take to get started once my doctor orders it?”

Usually 3–5 days from when we receive the order, sometimes sooner for urgent situations.

9. “Can I request a specific company or therapist?”

Yes. You have the right to choose your provider. You can ask your doctor to send the order directly to Southern Steps Home Therapy.

10. “What happens during the first visit?”

We conduct a comprehensive 45–60 minute evaluation in your home. We assess your condition, check your balance and strength, evaluate your home for fall risks, and create a personalized treatment plan.
→ Learn what to expect during your first visit

About In-Home Physical Therapy Costs

11. “What will I actually pay out of pocket?”

Traditional Medicare Part B:Typically $15–35 per visit after your deductible.
Medigap Plan G/F:Usually $0 per visit.
Medicare Advantage:Varies by plan, typically $0–40 per visit.
We verify your exact costs before we start—no surprises.

12. “Does Medicare cover the initial evaluation?”

Yes. It is covered the same way as treatment visits.

13. “What about the FREE 30-Minute Safety Check you offer?”

That’s a courtesy consultation we provide at no cost and is not billed to Medicare.
If you decide to proceed, then we start the Medicare-covered evaluation and treatment.
→ Schedule your FREE Safety Check

14. “Will I get a bill, or does Medicare pay directly?”

We bill Medicare directly. You’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits showing what they paid, and we’ll bill you for your portion.

15. “What if I can't afford the 20% coinsurance?”

You may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs. We can help guide you to resources. Don’t let cost concerns stop you from getting help.

About Home Physical Therapy Treatment

16. “How many visits will I need?”

It depends on your condition and goals:
• Post-surgical: 12–36 visits
• Fall prevention/balance: 8–24 visits
• Chronic conditions: 12–20 visits
Medicare covers visits as long as you’re making progress.

17. “How often will you come to my house?”

Typically 2–3 times per week at the start, then less frequently as you improve.

18. “Will I have the same therapist every time?”

Yes. At Southern Steps, you’ll work with the same licensed therapist each visit—no rotating staff.

19. “What if I’m not making progress or I’ve reached my goals?”

When you plateau or reach your goals, therapy ends. We’ll give you a home exercise plan to maintain your progress.

20. “Can I do in-home PT now and go to a clinic later?”

Yes—just not at the same time for the same condition. Once you're no longer homebound, you can transition to outpatient PT if needed.

Still Have Questions?

These are the most common questions, but every situation is unique.
Call us: (864) 528-6402
We’ll answer your questions in 5–10 minutes—no pressure.

Or start with ourFREE 30-Minute In-Home Safety Evaluation:
→ Schedule your FREE evaluation

Explore More In-Home Physical Therapy Resources

If you’re learning about in-home physical therapy or trying to decide what type of care is right for you or a loved one, these guides may also be helpful:

• In-Home Physical Therapy in Upstate South Carolina: What to Expect
  A complete overview of how in-home physical therapy works, who it’s for, and why many seniors choose care at home instead of a clinic.

• Does Medicare Cover In-Home Physical Therapy in Greenville, SC?
  A clear explanation of Medicare coverage, including the difference between Part A and Part B and what seniors and caregivers should know.

• Fall Prevention Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Stay Independent
  Learn how physical therapy at home helps reduce fall risk, improve balance, and keep seniors safe in their own homes.

• Home Physical Therapy Services in Greenville & Upstate South Carolina
  Explore Southern Steps’ in-home physical therapy services and the areas we serve throughout Upstate South Carolina.

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you’re unsure which type of in-home physical therapy is right for your situation, a short conversation with a licensed physical therapist can help clarify next steps.

Southern Steps Home Therapy

Physical Therapy You Can Trust — Right at Home, Covered by Medicare.
Proudly serving seniors throughout Greenville and Upstate South Carolina.