Frequently Asked Questions

Physical Therapy

What type of physical therapy do you provide?

For a list of our services, go to Our Services.

What education and training do your therapists have?

For therapist and assistant biographies, go to Our Team.

Insurance and Billing

What do I need to know about my insurance?

Research your insurance limits by calling your representative or the number on the back of your insurance card(s).

What questions do I ask my insurance representative?
Is Orcas Island Physical Therapy a preferred or participating provider?

If “out of network”, your cost may be a larger percentage than with a participating provider.

Do I need authorization for physical therapy?

The OIPT Patient Coordinator will check eligibility and, when required, apply for authorizations. We are not responsible for understanding your plan and it’s benefits.

Do I need a prescription or referral from a doctor for physical therapy?

Medicare does require a prescription or referral, generally dated within a month of the first physical therapy visit.

Do I have a co-payment due at each physical therapy visit?

When due, we accept payments and present receipts at the beginning of each visit.

Do I have a visit limit per calendar year?

Some plans combine therapies, i.e.: “25 visits, combined, for Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractor, etc., allowed per calendar year.” You are responsible for tracking visit totals.

Have I paid my deductible?
Do I have coinsurance (differs from visit copay)?
What is my “maximum out of pocket”?
What if I don’t have insurance?

If you don’t have insurance, we offer the choice of paying cash on the day of each visit or we’ll process through billing. The cost is around $100.00 when billed, as it is a paid service.

  • The self-pay charge accepted the day of the initial evaluation is $85.00. We accept cash, check, and some credit cards.
  • The self-pay charge accepted the day of each consecutive visit (for the same prescription) is $75.00.

NOTE: We are legally bound to bill Medicare.

How will I know what I owe?

Blue Orca Billing in Anacortes is our billing service. The billing manager is Amena Scharf. Their phone number is 360-293-2417, and will be on your statements. Payments are sent directly to us at: OIPT, PO Box 487, Eastsound, WA 98245.

Appointments

How do I make appointments?

For instructions, go to Schedule an Appointment.

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

For instructions, go to Schedule an Appointment.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

We ask you to arrive at the first appointment, your initial evaluation, 10–15 minutes early to fill out required paperwork. The electronic courtesy reminders are not able to remind you to come early. The initial evaluation, plus paperwork, generally takes an hour: 10–15 minutes for paperwork; 45 minutes for the evaluation and beginning treatment. Treatments are designed for you, based on your diagnosis. Depending on your ability and rest times, several visits may be required to understand how long your visits will take.

What should I bring?
  • All medical insurance cards, primary, supplementary (if you have it), and tertiary (if you have it).
  • A list of current prescription medications, no dosages.
  • Loose clothing or clothing that allows access to the site needing attention.

For more information, go to Getting Started.

Where are you located?

For map and directions, go to Contact Us.

Can my spouse/significant other/caregiver come with me to my appointments?

Yes.

Will the therapist communicate with my doctor?

Yes. The initial evaluation and further evaluations will be faxed to your doctor for his or her approval and signature. If further communication is warranted, your therapist will contact your doctor.

Will the therapist have my records?

If you would like your therapist to have copies of your records, you’ll be required to sign a doctor’s or hospital’s release form, for them to fax the records to us. Our fax number is 360-376-4059.

How long will my records be kept on file?

10 years.

What is your privacy policy?

We comply with HIPAA. For more information about Health Information Privacy, go to HHS.gov.

What do I do if I am sick?

If you are sick, simply call the front desk as soon as you can, so that your appointment time can be filled with someone on the waiting list.

Do you have a program for me once I’m discharged from physical therapy?

The therapist will give you progressive exercises as needed, as well a maintenance plan.

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