The focus of this office is to be the destination for those seeking nationally-certified, experienced care for those suffering from these types of conditions: urinary and/ or f***l incontinence, pelvic floor muscle weakness, pelvic pain, vaginismus, vulvodynia, abdominal pain, scar and adhesion conditions, pregnancy- related joint pain, post-mastectomy and reconstruction pain, lymphedema, and any orthopedic issues associated with these. Please understand this is not a complete list but does cover those most common diagnoses. What can I expect at my first appointment? You can expect to have my undivided attention! All patients are given 75-90 minutes for their evaluation. A complete and thorough history is obtained in a quiet and private environment. You will receive a physical assessment to better determine the nature of your condition, as is necessary. For some, this may include an internal muscle examination, but no part of the evaluation is meant to increase pain or discomfort. We will discuss the findings of the exam, and you will have an opportunity to ask all of your questions. Together, we can determine the goals and create a plan to set you on a path to healing. Will I see the same therapist each time? This office is unlike many orthopedic physical therapy clinics where patients are often treated by several therapists. You will be seen only by me. When can I expect to feel better? While this is one of the most common questions I am asked, it is probably the only one I am unable to provide an accurate answer to because each person is different. I expect each patient to be aware of some progress within the first few appointments (weeks), but there are some circumstances/ complications in which I expect progress to be slower. As long as you are consistent with your “homework”, we can progress your therapy steadily toward your goals. Do I need a doctor’s prescription in order to have physical therapy? I do recommend that you have a physician over-seeing your care, who can be a part of your therapy treatment plan. Having a prescription establishes that connection. In Indiana, it is permissible to be seen by a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription, but only for a limited number of days. As many patients are seen for longer than this, I would like to have the prescription at the beginning of your therapy. Do you accept insurance? I am considered an out-of-network provider and do not accept any insurance plans. I always encourage potential patients to call their providers and ask about coverage for their diagnosis. I will provide you with a receipt which includes all the necessary codes to allow you to seek some reimbursement from your provider on your own. What if I have Medicare? It is an unfortunate reality that I am unable to treat any patients enrolled in Medicare. There are too many “gray areas” in what is considered a covered versus non-covered service, and Medicare restricts cash payment for many of these therapy services. I am continuing to monitor this issue with other cash-based therapists across the country, and I am hopeful that I will be able to change this policy in the future. How much can I expect to spend on my physical therapy? I appreciate that spending money up-front for therapy is not easy for many patients, but I am also very aware of the benefit of receiving experienced, quality care for special diagnoses. I charge what I truly believe is a fair and competitive rate: $220 for the evaluation (75-90 minutes) and $140 for follow-up appointments running 60 minutes. How do you handle cancellations and weather-related missed appointments? I can appreciate the many valid situations that create the need to cancel an appointment (i.e. Sick child, car trouble, severe weather), and I would never insist that my patients risk their safety just to get to therapy. However, as there are times when I have other patients waiting to get in, I would ask that you let me know 24 hours in advance (or as soon as possible) if you think you will not be able to make it. Three missed appointments or a lapse in care for 30 days may require discharge form therapy; I am assuming you want to improve and will make every effort to make it to your appointment.
