Flow Physical Therapy & Pilates FAQ's

No. Flow Physical Therapy and Pilates is an out-of-network provider (AKA private pay or “cash-based” practice). Rates are fixed, regardless of treatment types performed, and due at the time of service. A superbill (see below) can be provided for self-file if requested.

The most straightforward answer is this: I am committed to providing quality physical therapy that truly makes a positive change in a person’s life. Unfortunately, insurance coverage for physical therapy services has been increasingly restrictive, prioritizing profits over proper care. Traditional physical therapy clinics have resorted to shorter treatment duration, overlapping patients, and using unlicensed aides. I believe people deserve better.

Stepping outside of the insurance cage allows me to spend more time for each evaluation and treatment session in a one-on-one model. Longer sessions promote patient comfort, allow patients to truly be heard, and are conducive to focused, thorough, and comprehensive evaluations. Quality evaluations lead to appropriate treatments (not treatments dictated by billing codes).

The result is better progress, longer lasting outcomes, less visits overall, and increased likelihood of successful return to daily life/athletics/hobbies. The quality is worth the cost.

The first Physical Therapy visit is an evaluation that will guide any further physical therapy. It starts by going over the information you provided on the intake form, getting more detailed information about the issue we are seeing you for and other pertinent information. Next, an evaluation is performed to assess movement, strength, flexibility, and other aspects of the body region and surrounding joints to find the underlying cause of the problem. This evaluation is invaluable because it guides the treatment. Education in the findings of the evaluation and the physical therapy diagnosis are always provided. There is always time for any questions you have. Depending on the complexity of the evaluation, treatment will occur if time permits. A home exercise program is issued that is specific to you.

It varies. The number and frequency of appointments is determined by the severity and/or complexity of the injury – the more complex and/or severe, the more appointments it may take. It also depends on the amount of hands-on manual treatment required; if there is a lot of joint mobility loss or muscle stiffness, more consistent treatments may be needed for a period of time. Another factor that influences the number of appointments is a patient’s dedication to their home exercise program. Physical therapy is a team effort and you are a huge part of the team; consistency with performing home exercises leads to better, quicker outcomes. The frequency of appointments can be as many as twice a week to as few as every 2 weeks. Some injuries can heal within 6 weeks and others may take 3 months or longer. We want to set you up with the optimal amount of treatments for your injury, with consideration of your monetary and time availability.

No, you do not. NC is a direct access state, meaning you do not need a physician’s referral to be evaluated or treated by a physical therapist. You simply schedule an appointment, fill out the intake form, and show up for the evaluation. *Please note, physical therapy is not an emergency service.

Yes you can. Unlike the traditional insurance model, which normally limits appointments to one injury or joint to be addressed, being out-of-network means the flexibility to see you for more than one injury. We always incorporate into treatment any body region or joint that affects the primary injury. That being said, it can be beneficial to evaluate more than one injury or body region at a time and/or focus on the more problematic injury first. If this were the case, it would be discussed with you to determine how to proceed. After all, this is your healthcare.

Credit card, personal check, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards are acceptable forms of payment. Payment is due each session.

That depends on your provider and your specific plan. I am happy to provide a receipt (a superbill) that includes billing codes and diagnostic codes, upon request if a patient would like to self-file to their insurance provider for reimbursement. Every insurance plan is different and may have its own requirements. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact their insurance provider to learn the details of “out-of-network coverage for private outpatient physical therapy” if they want to seek reimbursement.

Click here for Insurance Terminology and Questions To Ask Insurance For Out-of-Network Physical Therapy Coverage.

Flow Physical Therapy and Pilates has no relationship with Medicare, meaning we are not allowed to perform physical therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries at this time. This is due to restrictions imposed by Medicare. Yet, if you are unwavering in your desire to be seen by Flow PT & Pilates, we happily provide services not covered by Medicare (ie. preventative and wellness care, fitness exercises, massage therapy, and other non-covered services). You would be required to sign an ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice) form stating understanding that reimbursement by Medicare or secondary insurances is not possible.

Please be aware that physical therapists are excluded from the list of practitioners that are allowed to “opt out.” The ability to “opt out” is what allows Medicare reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Some Medicare patient representatives do not understand this nuance, and give inaccurate information regarding reimbursement.

Due to Medicaid requirements, this clinic is unable to see patients with Medicaid at this time.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic directly to further discuss any questions about payment.

Wear clothes that you can move in comfortably. For shoulder physical therapy, a tank top or sports bra underneath another top is ideal. For physical therapy of the knee, ankle, or foot, wearing shorts or loose-fitting pants that can raise above the knee is recommended.

Please avoid wearing sharp objects, such as bulky rings, necklaces, or belt buckles. Also, heavy scents, such as perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions should not be applied prior to your appointment.