Frequently Asked Questions

What is Physical Therapy?

Orthopedic and sport physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain. Through a detailed and comprehensive history, as well as a physical examination, a physical therapist will be able to provide you with diagnosis and initial plan of care. When necessary physical therapists will provide appropriate referrals to other healthcare specialists.

Every patient is unique.Therefore, your plan of care is personally tailored to your specific presentation and goals in order to achieve the transformation you are looking for. Treatments often include patient education, various manual therapy techniques to address mobility and pain, motor control exercises, progressive resistance training programs, and sport-specific training programs.

Do I need a referral from my primary doctor?

The state of Washington is an unrestricted direct access state for physical therapy services. This means you DO NOT need a referral from another healthcare provider before seeking out physical therapy services.

This allows you to access the care you need FASTER and oftentimes with LESS total medical costs then if you were to see another provider first.

Do you accept my insurance?

At Kirbach Physical Therapy, PLLC we are an out-of-network clinic with all insurance plans. This means we do not bill your insurance company directly. We have chosen this model because here at Kirbach Physical Therapy we are here to serve YOU, not the insurance companies. Too often insurance companies are controlling the plan of care by requiring authorizations, denying coverage for treating multiple body regions within the same calendar year, or denying coverage of services for those who can perform daily activities, but ultimately wish to return to higher level activities such as running and various sports. By choosing to be out-of-network with insurance providers it puts you in charge of your own health, not some insurance company.

Can I submit to my insurance for reimbursement?

Many health insurance plans include out-of-network benefits. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to find out more about these benefits. You will be provided a superbill of each visit that will include all the necessary information needed to submit the claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.

What if I have Medicare?

At Kirbach Physical Therapy, PLLC we do not have a relationship with Medicare at this time. Unfortunately, this means that we cannot provide any services covered under Medicare.

How can I pay for my visit?

For telehealth visits you must pay for each visit beforehand via our online payment portal.

For in-person visits we accept all major credit cards, HSA, FSA cards that can be swiped at the time of service.

Do you accept HSA & FSA cards?

Yes, we accept HSA and FSA cards

How long does each visit last?

Initial evaluations can be either 60 or 90-minutes in length based on your preference. The 90-minute evaluation is recommended for individuals who have a lower level of irritability, pain or limitations only with higher level activities such as running or playing a sport. We also recommend anyone wishing to be evaluated for dizziness or a concussion choose the 90-minute option.

If you are a pitcher interested in the Return to Pitching Program, the initial evaluation is 90-minutes to allow for a detailed total body evaluation and video analysis of your pitching mechanics if appropriate.

What is your cancellation policy?

We respectfully ask that you notify us 24 hours prior to any visit when possible so. If things change within that 24 hour period, please notify us as soon as you can and we will work with you to get you rescheduled at a later date or time.

What should I wear?

Athletic attire is recommended. Wearing the shoes used in whatever activity or sport you are having trouble with is also recommended (unless they are cleats). For women, it is recommended that you wear a sports bra under your shirt. When possible shorts are preferred over pants or leggings, even if the injury is to the arm or neck as most sports involve the entire body and we might want to analyze how the lower extremities function.

Neck, Back, and Upper Extremity Evaluations: Men may be asked to remove their shirt to allow for better observation of the neck, back, and scapula during various tasks. For women that are uncomfortable being in just a sports bra, a shirt that is open in the back to allow for visualization of the scapula as much as possible is recommended.

How many visits will I need?

The total number of visits will depend greatly on your current functional status and your desired goals, among other things. This will be reviewed in more detail during your first visit. However, average number of visits is often 6-10, which can be spread out over a number of weeks or months.

Concierges Physical Therapy Specific Questions

Can my children be home?

We have no problem with children being at home as long as they are not interrupting the session.

Do I need to clean my house before you come over?

It is recommended that you have a clear space in a room large enough for a portable treatment table and enough ground area to perform exercises on.

What if I have pets?

We love pets! Pets are fine as long as they do not interrupt or interfere with the session. From personal experience, dogs often get really excited when someone new is over or you are doing exercises on the ground (brings you to the dog’s level and he/she thinks you want to play) that can interfere with sessions.

Can I book back-to-back sessions for me and a family member?

Absolutely! This is a preferred method rather than sessions on different days. Each individual will have to fill out the intake forms and appropriate questionnaires. Then, when booking appointments on the phone just make sure to let us know you are looking for back-to-back sessions so we can provide you with appropriate options.

Do I need exercise equipment?

Some equipment such as light dumbbells, exercise bands, medicine balls, kettlebells can be provided during your sessions. If you are having specific difficulties with certain lifts in the gym it is recommended that you video yourself from multiple angles performing those lifts so that your therapist can review the videos.

How does it work to meet me at my workplace or gym?

First, it is recommended that you check your workplace or gym policies to make sure it is okay for a physical therapist to enter the workplace or gym. If there is a fee, just as a guest fee at the gym, it is expected that you will cover that expense.

TelePT Specific Questions

What do I need for a TelePT Visit?

A phone, tablet, or laptop, a microphone (wireless bluetooth headphones work really well), and good lighting. The software we use for our TelePT visits is Google Meet. You can download the app onto any phone or tablet device. Once your appointment has been booked, you will receive an email confirming the date and time, as well as a link to join the video chat at the time of your appointment. This is a unique link just for you that no one else will have access to.

It is also recommended that no one else in the home be streaming videos or doing online gaming. This can take up bandwidth and lead to poor video quality during the video chat.

Can I book a TelePT Visit from anywhere?

With the COVID-19 pandemic virtual visits, TelePT, using video chat software has become increasingly popular. It is also a fantastic opportunity for people looking to make the kinds of transformations possible at Kirbach Physical Therapy, but do not live in the immediate area. Per state laws, a physical therapist can only practice in the state(s) he/she is licensed in. As of right now, that means you must be physically located in the state of WA during your TelePT visit.