FAQ

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 Olympus Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OOPT) we are an out-of-network clinic with all insurance plans. We do offer superbills that patients can submit for reimbursement. This means we do not bill your insurance company directly. We have chosen this model because here at OOPT 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 the 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. We at OOPT use standardized billing codes and provide you with a Superbill Invoice at the end of each treatment.

What if I have Medicare?

At OOPT 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, Cash, or Venmo that can be attached to your patient account.

Do you accept HSA & FSA cards?

Yes, we accept HSA and FSA cards

How long does each visit last?

Initial evaluations can be either 90-120 minutes in length based on the complexity of the case. The 120 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.

What is your cancellation policy?

We respectfully ask that you notify us 24 hours prior to any visit when possible. If cancelations fall inside the 24 hour time period a follow up charge of the visit is incurred. Life happens, we understand, here at OOPT we are not in the business to charge patients cancelation fees. They simply exist to encourage commitment to the current plan of care. If you need to reschedule we will work with you to keep you on track.

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. Gowns can be provided if necessary.

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, make a patient account, 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.

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 Olympus Orthopedic 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.

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 through PT Everywhere. You can access the telehealth appointment through the PT Everywhere portal.

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.

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.