FAQs

Why are you different than other physical therapists?

I am not different, but I am one who is trying to stay true to the profession's core values. I believe excellence has been lost when patients are treated as productivity goals in many practices. Effective treatments are sometimes not provided because they may not be reimbursed by insurance. Clinicians are too burnt out to obtain new knowledge and skills, and too exhausted to offer enough compassion and empathy. What is different with this practice is that I provide an environment that you are the sole focus. Treatment is provided in a one-on-one format in a private office, but still having the equipment and tools to progress you like a larger gym. I promise value.

Do you take my insurance?

Tao of Physical Therapy is a Fee-For-Service practice, also known as a Cash-Based practice. I am out-of-network with insurance companies and have no relationship with insurance or Medicare. There is possible Out-Of-Network reimbursement for physical therapy services depending on your insurer.

If you would like to use Out-Of-Network benefits, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company. Tao of Physical Therapy is on Reimbursify to help streamline that process. Click here to check if you have Out-Of-Network Benefits.

If you would like to use In-Network insurance benefits and/or Medicare, I am happy to refer you to great providers who can provide PT services and accept your insurance.

Why Cash-Based? Why not take insurances?

I believe that access to Physical Therapy services should be available when you need or want it. In an Insurance-Based practice model, there are barriers to timely care. You would first have to see a physician to obtain a PT referral. Then, you will have to make contact with the PT office to schedule your initial evaluation, which could take weeks to months. This is usually due to high patient volumes, as clinics often have to maximize number patients to compensate for decreasing insurance reimbursement. Furthermore, to increase volume, you'll often find that you get double (sometimes triple) booked with other patients. At Tao of Physical Therapy, I am committed to personalized care and giving you my full attention for the hour-long session. 

In a Cash-Based model, the focus is not to get you into therapy several times a week. The goal is to maximize your treatment by developing a solid plan outside of the therapy sessions, personalized for you. You will also have the ability to communicate with me in between sessions so that I can guide you with any progressions before your next visit. This also allows you to have more time for yourself!

When you have a copay at an Insurance-Based clinic, it can range from $30-45 a visit, and you'll probably be asked to do 2-3 sessions a week. Sometimes, if there is a service that is not covered by insurance, you may receive an extra bill. The model I practice involves seeing you likely once a week and with open communication between sessions. The visits will soon further taper in frequency, and you'd come in as needed for maintenance and tune ups. The costs between these two models will end up being very close in comparison. No surprise bills. I also offer package discounts for follow-up sessions to lessen costs. Remember, the goal here is not to make you look good for your insurance company, but to make sure you are living your best self and doing the things that you want to do!

Learn more about this practice model, or see if we are the right fit by Scheduling a Free Discovery Call.

How is payment taken?

Payment will be collected in full at the time of your appointment. I accept most major credit cards. PT services may also be eligible for HSA and FSA, check with your provider. 

Invoices can be paid with card online through the patient portal on any device. I can also accept card payments in-person with contactless methods, including tap and Digital Wallet (no swipe or chip insert, sorry!). Cash is also acceptable with exact change.

How do I submit a claim?

Tao of Physical Therapy is on Reimbursify, which you can access on any web browser to submit your claims through. Make sure you ask for a superbill if you plan on submitting claims. The process is streamlined to be as easy as possible. Click the link below to submit claims.

Submit Claims through Reimbursify.

Who can receive physical therapy?

I will not turn away patients and clients that require our help. However, if the type of treatment that is necessary is beyond the physical therapy scope of practice, or beyond the capabilities of this facility, I will refer out to the appropriate provider. Tao of Physical Therapy is also an inclusive and safe environment, as healthcare is fundamentally inclusive. I reserve the right to refuse service to any individual who obstructs the practice of these values.

Do I need a referral?

South Carolina allows for provisional direct access for physical therapy. Doctor's referrals/prescriptions for physical therapy is not required to receive an evaluation and initiate treatment. However, it is recommended to see your physician if your condition does not improve after 30 days. A physician's referral may be required to receive Out-Of-Network benefits.

What can I expect when I visit?

Arrive early and relax in the comfortable lobby of the cozy and vibrant building we are housed in. This gives your body a chance to relax and get out of the sympathetic state. You will be greeted by the therapist at your appointment time.

On your first visit, you may need to fill out forms if you have not done so online. Be sure to bring a valid ID, and your prescription for PT, if available. The evaluation will consist of an interview so that you can describe your complaints and difficulties, followed by functional testing and measuring your abilities. We will set goals and a plan together. Treatment will also be initiated on the first day to facilitate your rehabilitation process. On future visits, we will dive deeply into our treatments and get you down the road to recovery.

What should I wear?

Clothing that you can move freely and exercise in is recommended. Ideally, clothing that can easily be moved to expose the body region that requires treatment on. I have treatment gowns for those who need it.

How long do I have to keep coming to Physical Therapy?

You, as the patient, will ultimately have control of how frequent or how long you want to receive therapy. After our initial evaluation, we will discuss an estimated management time for the condition you are coming in for, and a treatment plan. Progressive neurodegenerative conditions will never go away, so therapy may be ongoing, so ongoing therapy for maintenance and check-ups will be highly recommended. I feel that, regardless of condition, physical therapy should be viewed like going to a dentist, where you have routine maintenance. The physical body should require the same care as for your teeth. Under this practice model, we do not discharge, but rather plan for maintenance, so that you continue to care for your body and maintain function as long as possible.

Contact us if you have any questions and concerns!