FAQ

Treatment techniques utilized:

    • Manual Therapy techniques including joint mobilization (muscle energy, osteopathic, and a variety of others as needed)

    • Taping techniques for pain relief, postural education, and swelling

    • MFD  Myofascial Decompression  (cupping techniques )  Level 2 Certified and listed as a preffered provider. see link. https://www.cuptherapy.com/providers

    • Movement analysis 

    • Breath work: accessing the diaphragm for correct breathing and alignment. 

    • Postpartum and Pregnancy exercises. Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise specialist

      You can find me on their directory https://www.coreexercisesolutions.com/pces-directory/

                     

Commonly Asked Questions

But my insurance is cheaper, why pay out of pocket?


“You get what you pay for” is an old adage that continues to ring true.   In a traditional therapy clinic ( that uses insurance), they usually follow a script of 1 -2 x a week for 4-6 weeks. Additionally they may double book you with another patient ( once again certain insurances allow this).  Perhaps some of this time is where the therapist isn’t even with you rather the aide or PTA.  They may be helping you do the exercises but are they really trained to look for the little details? Sometimes the tiniest of tweaks can mean the biggest difference in someone's form.  In this method of therapy, we do not follow a script but instead go off of the evaluation. Perhaps you only need one visit a week or 2 visits a month to check in.  We can individualize your care to as few or many visits as you need. Additionally I believe the entire body is connected.  Do you want to focus on your core strength one session then your ankle mobility the next, great we can do that!

 In bringing physical therapy directly to you, you also save the time that is taken out of your life getting to and from an appointment.  Additionally I know how hard it can be to find childcare. I am used to working through the interruptions of little ones. 

Why out-of-network?
Insurance is complicated, and can limit the ability for me to provide you with quality one on one care.  Have you ever been to a busy clinic where the therapist or medical provider spent more time on their computer than with you? 

There are reasons why I have chosen to remain out of network:
 Contracting with insurance companies means taking on another job of managing the constantly changing rules of  insurance reimbursements. This rate changes and varies depending on the insurance companies, which makes it difficult for me to predict reimbursement for a visit.  This can also slow down or impede care as an insurance company not a provider, decides what is medically necessary.   I would prefer to provide you with the information  ( known as a superbill)  to file your own claim.

     Medicare 

I am not a Medicare Provider, so law prevents me from providing Medicare patients with what would be considered “normally covered services.” If you are a Medicare beneficiary and would still like to request treatment. I may be able to provide you with some training sessions. These would not be therapy or require manual therapy but for the purpose of fitness. 

Do I need a Prescription?
No. Through direct Access  the state of California allows you to be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist for 45 days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, before you need a physician's diagnosis. This enables you to receive therapeutic care quickly without unnecessary medical visits.  For example you pull a muscle but instead of  going to the Doctor ( for them to give you a script for PT) you come straight to me. This is  without the wait or paying for an unnecessary medical visit. 
But what if it is not “just a pulled muscle “ ? During your evaluation, if we find anything that  seems  a “RED flag” symptom, I would immediately tell you.  I  would work to refer you to the correct speciality or your Doctor.  Additionally if you are pregnant I ask for a clearance from your OBGYN to participate in therapy.

What areas do you cover ?
Currently, the schedule is set to accommodate individuals in the East Bay area within a 25 min drive radius of downtown Walnut Creek.  ( type in 94596)  This would include Walnut Creek, Concord, Clayton  If you live further  than those areas, or need a day of the week I am not typically traveling. Just ask, I may be able to assist for an additional travel fee.
I am open to coming early mornings 6 am and onwards or evenings as your schedule permits.  Monday through Friday and occasionally weekends.


How do you submit a claim?

This can vary depending on your insurance company. From my end I need to create a special note with a receipt of services rendered, called a “superbill”.  I can give this to you as requested to submit to your insurance company.

The easiest way to learn about your benefits and requirements for your specific plan is to look online. For your benefits information, search your plan benefits page for the information about 'out-of-network physical therapy benefits'. For claims submission information, typically this information should be found under a tab titled "filing a claim" or similar. There, you can often find the form to fill out online, or print to submit.
  
What is a deductible and how does it work?
The deductible is an amount of money spent  that your  insurance requires you to reach before they will cover most medical services. Sometimes insurance plans have separate in-network and out-of-network deductibles, which means you earn credit toward one category but not to the other.  I am considered out-of-network.