FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our services should be covered by your out-of-network benefits with your insurance provider.  You will be provided a detailed superbill/receipt that you can submit to insurance for direct reimbursement upon request.  You are encouraged to contact your insurance company regarding your individual plan's physical therapy coverage as some policies require prior authorization. We recommend that you ask if a physician referral is needed for coverage as well.  Payment (cash, check, FSA/HSA or debit/credit card) is due at time of service. Often, our prices are much cheaper than an in-network insurance provider especially if you have not met your deductible or out-of-pocket max. Cash based options are beneficial and can save you money especially if you have high co-pays or high deductibles. A "Good Faith Estimate" with detailed pricing and explanations will be provided to you before your first appointment. Contact Effingham Pelvic Health & Wellness with further payment or insurance questions.

We specialize in pelvic health and pre/postnatal care but our providers are orthopedic trained and can also treat general orthopedic conditions such as.

• general orthopedic conditions (muscle weakness or joint pain)

• balance deficits

• vestibular/vertigo conditions

• urinary or bowel leakage

• back, tailbone, hip, abdominal, rectal, or pelvic pain 

• SIJ pain

• urinary urgency and frequency (overactive bladder)

• interstitial cystitis

• Contact the clinic for questions regarding diagnoses not listed

The clinic upholds a 24-hour cancellation policy and requests patients provide at least 24 hours notice so that our providers might have an opportunity to accommodate other patients. If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours in advance, you will be responsible for 50% of your treatment cost. If you no show, you will be responsible for 100% of your treatment cost. We do require Monday cancellations by 5pm on Thursday prior as the clinic is closed Friday through Sunday.

Frequency and duration of physical therapy is different for each person and depends on your individual circumstances.  Most patients are seen for three to six months on average. At your first appointment, Dr. April, Dr. Kyla, or Dr. Katie will take a thorough medical history and objective measurements to develop your individualized plan of care. She will discuss your prognosis and an approximate frequency and duration of treatments. Duration of therapy is dependent on patient compliance and individual symptom presentation. Most concerns require once weekly sessions initially and then progress to longer intervals between visits as the patient become more independent with their home exercise program and their symptoms are improving.

During your initial pelvic physical therapy evaluation, you will discuss the reason(s) for your visit and the goals you wish to accomplish with the help of your therapist.  A full assessment of bladder, bowel, and sexual health will be performed. Dr. April, Dr. Kyla, or Dr. Katie will then perform a physical examination to best determine how to treat your specific symptoms. A pelvic floor assessment may involve an external and/or internal examination of your pelvic floor muscles. No speculum or stirrups are used in the clinic. Dependent on client comfort level, alternatives to internal assessments will be provided upon request. An internal examination is highly effective for proper assessment and treatment of many pelvic floor conditions. Your provider will then educate you on exercises and education/health tips to start at home prior to your next physical therapy session.

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For all other conditions as well as for pelvic symptoms, a full orthopedic assessment will be performed looking at strength, flexibility, and alignment.