First Appointment

 

What do I need to do before my first appointment? What should I bring?​

• Fill out all new patient forms online. These will be emailed to you once you schedule your initial evaluation. 

• If your insurance company requires it, bring a copy of the referral or prescription from your referring provider.

• Bring copies of any medical records (x-rays, MRIs, etc.) you think would be helpful for us to see.

 

How long is my appointment?

• PT initial evaluations are 55-60 minutes. 

• PT follow-up appointments are between 45-55 minutes. 

• Dance injury consults are 25 minutes.

• Telehealth ergonomic assessments are 25 minutes.

• Private ballet lessons are 55-60 minutes.

• Strength & conditioning sessions are 55 minutes.

• Please see our Payment & Cancellation Policy, which will be emailed to you, for fees related to late cancels, no shows, and late arrivals. 

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What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting or stretchy clothing you feel good moving in. If you are coming for your legs or back, please bring shorts. Bring footwear or orthotics you use in your recreational endeavors, including ballet or pointe shoes. Musicians please bring the instrument with which you are having trouble, if it is reasonable portable. 

 

Virtual Visits & Telemedicine

 

We have had great success with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and find they are particularly effective for initial evaluations since much of the first visit is spent interviewing. They are also great for anyone that feels more comfortable being treated virtually or for convenience. Your PT will recommend whether or not this is an appropriate service for your needs.

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Insurance and the Out-of-Network Model

 

​Do you take insurance?

Seattle Ortho Arts PT is an out-of-network (OON) provider of physical therapy. This means we do not bill your insurance company directly. However, under many insurance plans, you may still submit receipts for reimbursement and the cost will be relatively comparable to seeing an in-network provider, particularly if you have a high deductible. 

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Please see our Insurance Worksheet for a detailed list of questions to ask your insurance company in determining your out-of-network benefits. 

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You will pay for all PT visits at the time of service. Upon request, we will provide you with a detailed receipt called a Superbill, which you may then submit to your insurance company with a claim form. Your insurance company will then evaluate your claim and reimburse you accordingly. 

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Unfortunately, due to Medicare regulations, we are NOT able to treat Medicare patients, even at cash rates. Please see below for more information. 

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What if I have Medicare or I turn 65 during an episode of care?

Seattle Ortho Arts PT is not contracted with any insurance companies, including Medicare. Under Medicare’s rules, it is illegal to provide out-of-network services to Medicare beneficiaries. For this reason, we are unable to see Medicare patients for physical therapy. The only way we can legally see a person with Medicare coverage is for services not covered by Medicare, that is, for prevention, wellness, or fitness, or for services that the patient could do on their own, or that the patient could receive from a less-skilled provider like a personal trainer. If there is medical necessity, we cannot legally see you, even if it is your choice to pay cash for the service. 

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If you believe you may be a candidate for prevention, wellness, or fitness services, or if you would like a referral to another clinic that does bill Medicare, please contact us to discuss. 

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Can you help me figure out my out-of-network insurance benefits?

We are happy to help you navigate this process, however, speaking to your insurance company directly is the only way to accurately determine your out-of-network benefits. Please see our Insurance Worksheet for guidance. 

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Can I use my HSA or FSA card?

For our physical therapy services YES! Let us know if you need a receipt. 

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What about motor vehicle accident (MVA) and worker's compensation claims?

We CAN directly bill MVAs and WA State Labor & Industries (L&I) claims, as long as the claim is OPEN and, in the case of MVAs, PIP dollars are available.

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Who does the out-of-network model serve?

• Clients who value autonomy and choice in their healthcare decisions

• Clients with high deductibles and/or copays

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• Clients whose insurance company restricts where they can receive care

• Clients who are not insured or underinsured

• Clients with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Clients interested in specialized care, different than the traditional physical therapy model

• Clients who want 1-on-1 care, where the entire session is spent with the physical therapist and not with care extenders such as PT aides and personal trainers

• Clients who understand that the human body makes change slowly and that it is often better to have fewer targeted visits spread over a longer period of time. Whether you need care weekly, every 2 weeks, or even monthly, we can design a plan that fits your needs. 

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Why does this model serve us as clinicians?

• ​It allows us to provide higher quality care, creative solutions, upfront costs, time savings, and even financial savings for many.

• It allows us to impact the health of many who may not have access to that care through their insurance plans or lack of insurance. 

• It keeps overhead low as we do not need to hire front desk staff and billing professionals. This allows us to focus our energy and resources on our clients.

• For smaller, privately-owned clinics, this is a model of survival. Insurance company reimbursement rates are steadily declining thus making it more and more difficult to keep our doors open.