Q. What are your clinic hours?
A. Our front office is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Q. What can I expect at my first appointment?
A. All appointments last approximately one hour and are with a physical therapist and / or an assistant. After your initial evaluation, your therapist will suggest a plan of care that will lead you to recovery over a series of visits, as well as a home exercise program that will supplement that plan.
Q. What do I bring to my first appointment?
A.
- Your insurance card(s)
- Drivers License
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Referral for physical therapy
- Optional:
- New Registration Packet and Body Part Survey (found on the New Patients Page)
- Any x-rays, MRI, or operation reports
If Medicare:
- A list of your medications
Q. Will I see the same therapist every time?
A. For your initial evaluation, you will see a physical therapist. They will provide an assessment and create an exercise program which will be followed in your subsequent visits. For those subsequent visits, you will often see a physical therapist assistant. The assistant works directly with the therapist to make sure your goals are being met. The therapist will frequently check in with you throughout your appointments to make sure you are on track.
Q. Should I bring a change of clothes?
A. Depending on what you are being treated for, you may need a change of clothes. For athletic-related treatment, we often recommend suitable pants, comfortable fitting clothing and footwear.
Q. Will I need a referral?
A. Some insurance companies require a referral for physical therapy while others do not. When the front desk looks up your insurance eligibility and benefits, they will find out if a referral is required with your plan. If so, it can be attained from your primary care physician.
Q. Do you accept my insurance?
A. In most cases, yes. As long as we are in-network with your insurance, you should be covered for physical therapy. Unless you are subject to a deductible, typically an initial evaluation is anywhere from $150-$180. Any subsequent visits are $100-$140.
Here is an image of a generic insurance card. “Member Number” can also be listed as “Member ID” and “Group #” as “Policy #.”
When figuring out your copay, physical therapy is considered as a “specialist.”
Specifics of your coverage can be verified by calling the “Member Services” number, which might also be located on the back of your card. Or, give us a call at 253-851-5718 and we will be happy to take your insurance information and call them for you.
Q. If I need to cancel, what kind of notice do you need?
A. We ask for 24 hours notice on cancellations or a $25 fee will be applied. This is with the exception of emergencies.
Q. How does billing work?
A. If you are going through health insurance, we provide a general explanation of benefits by your first or second visit. We send claims directly to your insurance company via an electronic clearing house. Your insurance will process the claim and sends back an explanation of benefits. If your deductible has been met, they will send a check. If your deductible has not been met, the billing team will transfer the balance to your account. This whole process typically takes 30-60 days. We also send out monthly invoices.
Q. What sort of injuries do you treat?
A. We treat a variety of injuries, knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, shoulders, lumbar, and cervical. Our physical therapist, Micah Tamminga, specializes in vertigo and neuro-muscular issues. Both therapists are members of APTA and Micah is a member of VEDA.
Q. What does a PT do for dizziness?
A. In addition to addressing musculoskeletal injuries and pain, physical therapists are specialists in treating movement disorders and balance problems. The sensation of movement or spinning is called vertigo and is usually caused by a problem of the inner ear. Other balance problems can be caused by weakness, numbness in the legs, Parkinson’s disease, or even complications related to medications. A PT will complete a functional assessment of the three sensory systems involved in balance: the visual system, the somatosensory system or “sensing nerves” in the legs and feet, and the vestibular system, or inner ear. After further testing for balance, strength, and coordination, the PT can make a functional diagnosis and begin to prescribe activities and exercises to correct vertigo or balance problems. Micah Tamminga, PT, has more than 15 years of experience treating balance problems with a special interest in vertigo and vestibular rehabilitation. Call for a consultation or more information!
Q. What does a PT do for jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction?
A. A PT will assess the range of motion of the joint, the tone and function of muscles around the face and neck, and the irritability of the various structures which make up the joint. After assessing the cause of the pain, the PT will use specific massage and joint mobilization, coordination training, and light stretching to relieve pain and restore normal eating, sleeping, and talking. At Harbor Physical Therapy, we work with a number of oral surgeons and dentists for a comprehensive team approach for relieving dysfunction and pain around the face.