FAQ: Does Dr. C take Insurance?
No. Dr. C has chosen to operate as an out-of-network provider in order to provide high quality 1:1 care to patients. The Integrative approach that she takes is designed specifically for each patient to recover, have the tools necessary for continued health maintenance, and to fully achieve their activity level goals. In-network providers are limited to providing “medically necessary” care, which refers to your ability to get dressed, shower, work, sit, stand, etc. (You get the point). If your goal is to run a half marathon, practice yoga, or play basketball without pain, etc., that’s not covered by in-network services. Dr. C is happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit for reimbursement with your insurance company after each visit.
You might be wondering what insurance has to do with the level of care you receive.
At traditional orthopedic physical therapy practices that take insurance, you’re likely to be scheduled at the same time as another patient or only receive the undivided attention of your physical therapist for a fraction of the time you spend at your visit. This is a result of depreciating insurance reimbursement which creates a demand for physical therapy offices to see MORE patients in a day in order to make the same amount of money. Due to the decreased amount of time the therapist has available, treatment is often suggested at a frequency of 2-3x/wk for 6-8 weeks (that’s 12-24 visits) before independent condition management or resolution is achieved. All the while, you’re potentially paying the full price for each visit (that you share with someone else) until you’ve reached your deductible or out-of-pocket max. Once your deductible is met, you’re still likely paying a copay or co-insurance. Unfortunately, even after all of that, you could look up one day, months later, with a letter from the insurance company stating that they’ve decided not to pay for something and the bill is now your responsibility.
Benefits of Seeing an Out-of-Network Provider
1:1 Care
A provider incentivized to LISTEN and work with you to provide the best treatment for you, not just the treatment for which insurance will pay.
Faster Results.
Less money spent overall due to the lower number of visits required. Most often I’ll only suggest 1 visit/wk with an eventual taper to ever-other-week. If you like more accountable and want to see Dr. C more often, that’s fine too. Telehealth visits can also be a nice adjunct to in-office visits.
Less disruption to you and your family’s regular schedule.
No surprise bills that weren’t in the budget.
The ability to get you back to your desired activity level safely- even if that’s doing handstands or competing in triathlons, not just back to being able to climb stairs (insurance only pays for limitations associated with activities of daily living- showering, dressing, safe ability to navigate, cooking, cleaning, etc.)
You will spend LESS MONEY, have greater SATISFACTION in your care, and the ability to SUCCEED at a higher level with an Out-of-Network Provider than an In-Network Provider.