Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept my insurance?
I am an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. To check if I am in your network, please verify with your specific plan.
Alternatively, I offer the option to pay a flat fee-for-service, which I refer to as "self pay." This might be an option for you if I am not in your network, if you have a plan with a high deductible, or if you do not have health insurance.
Why would I choose to go out of network/pay cash/"self pay"?
While using insurance can make healthcare costs less for some, in some cases you may end up paying more under your insurance plan. It is impossible to know how much you will pay up front when you use insurance, because it is dependent upon your plan, your deductible, and which codes are billed. I prefer to have a clear answer for my clients when they ask "How much will this cost?" I also typically see my clients for fewer visits than they might have at a traditional PT clinic.
If you choose this option, I can provide you with a superbill upon request to submit to your insurance after your visit, which they may apply to your out-of-network benefits. Of course, it's always best to contact your insurance company to understand your specific plan and benefits.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear something comfortable that allows you to move. Also bear in mind that I need to see your body part to do a proper assessment of your movement. So wear something that lets me do that. If you have knee pain, wear pants that can be pulled up above your knee, or bring shorts. If you are having shoulder pain, wear a tank top or sports bra. You get the point!
What will happen at my first visit?
At your first visit, we will discuss what brings you in for therapy, what you are expecting from therapy, and what your goals are. Then, I will ask you to perform some movements, look at specific strength and mobility tests, and perform any additional tests I find necessary for a comprehensive assessment. After that, I will explain to you my findings and how I believe I can help you. Then we will get started on your treatment and home program development.
I'm coming for pelvic floor therapy- what should I expect?
The first visit for pelvic floor therapy is in many ways similar to the first visit for any other issue- We will have a discussion about what brings you into therapy, what your expectations are, and what kind of goals you have. Based upon this conversation, we will make a decision together as to the best way to proceed. This may involve a movement assessment, strength and/or mobility assessment of your trunk and limbs, and a manual assessment of joints, muscle, and other tissue in any part of your body. The first (and subsequent) visit(s) may or may not involve an internal pelvic floor muscle exam and treatment. If we decide that an internal pelvic floor muscle exam is appropriate, I will do an exam with a gloved finger, either vaginally or rectally, providing you with a large sheet to cover any other areas. Internal exams are helpful to assess the deep layer of pelvic floor muscles for strength, length, endurance and coordination. It can also be useful to assess for any scars that have formed since delivery if you are postnatal, and how they are moving. Typically an internal assessment is just a few minutes in length.