Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Access is a law that allows patients to see a physical therapist without a referral from a physician. All 50 states have Direct Access, but some states have more restrictions than others. 

Yes, you need a referral if: 

• you want dry needling (a state of GA rule) 

• you have Medicare

• you expect to need physical therapy for more than 8 sessions or longer than 21 days 

No, you don't need a referral if: 

• you expect to only need a few sessions (fewer than 8 sessions within 21 days) 

• you don't want dry needling 

I typically tell clients who are on the fence about the referral to come see me for a session first. At your first appointment, we can discuss the expected length of recovery and whether or not you would be a good canditate for dry needling. You can always get a referral later! Let's start getting you feeling better sooner than later. 

Not at all! As Doctors in Physical Therapy, not only are we trained to diagnose neuromusculoskeletal diseases and dysfunction but we are also rigorously educated on the identification of "red flags" for conditions that require referral to a physician or specialist. If you aren't appropriate for physical therapy and need a different provider, I will tell you immediately.  

Largely... yes! Unfortunately, patients covered by Tricare or the VA are unable to opt into cash-based services. 

If you have Medicare but are interested in the convenience and personalized treatment of concierge physical therapy, you can still see me! We would just need a physician referral before we get started. 

If you're interested in starting without having to wait for a referral, you would be able to book Wellness Services, that would include strength, mobility, and balance work but exclude manual (hands-on) treatment.

Please see my Services page! 

This is an excellent question that I love to discuss because it highlights several shortcomings in our healthcare system at present. Paying cash rates in order to work with me ensures: 

• one-on-one care always --you won't be handed off to a technician for 50-90% of your session as is standard at many busy traditional clinics

• faster start of care --get in to be seen quickly, rather than having to wait weeks for an appointment with your primary care doctor or standard physical therapist 

• convenient scheduling -- book times that work for you! As an independent, cash-based provider, I have the ability to be more flexible with my time, ensuring the most convenient appointments for you

• communication with provider between sessions -- have your PT in your pocket! Tweak your back between sessions? Shoot me a text or email to get advice or even schedule an emergency booking to get things feeling back to normal as soon as possible 

• your care isn't dictated by your type of insurance provider --denials, waits, and hoops...ever had your care denied just because your insurance company deems you don't need it? Or had unnecessary sessions, exercises, or procedures performed that don't match your needs? Receive type of care you need, for as long as you need it, with someone with whom you're getting the best results 

• the surprise... cashed-based PT is typically cheaper in the long run --individualized care typically results in better and faster outcomes, decreasing the overall cost of care for you. Also, you won't be hit with a surprise co-insurance payments even after paying copays. You'll only be responsible for a one time fee per service (please see my Services page for pricing details) 

You can pay using cash, check, Apple Pay, credit, or debit cards (including HSA debit cards). 

Great! I'd be happy to find you an answer. Please email me directly at katie@carterosteo.com