Therapists who have a vestibular certification have received specialized training and coursework to be able to accurately and efficiently diagnose and treat dizziness. There are several causes of dizziness, many of which can be alarming. Vestibular physical therapists are trained to screen for red flags and know when it is safe to continue treatment, or if there is a need to refer to a doctor to rule out sinister pathologies. At Head and Neck Physical Therapy, we also use a specialized diagnostic tool, known as infrared video frenzel lenses, which are crucial for correctly diagnosing and treating vertigo. Most physical therapy clinics do not have them. Many patients feel significantly better after one visit when they’ve been diagnosed and treated by a certified vestibular therapist.

TMJ actually refers to the temporomandibular joint, our jaw joint. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is when this joint or the structures associated with this joint become impaired. This can include the joint itself, the disc in the joint space, the muscles that attach to and surround the joint, or the nerves that cause facial pain. The jaw joint sits directly in front of the ear, so many people who have TMD suffer from ear pain that is not treatable by other healthcare providers. These patients feel like they have an ear infection, when actually the pain is coming from either the jaw or the neck. At Head and Neck Physical Therapy, Jenna has taken several courses and is a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT), so she can treat TMD effectively and efficiently.

Insurance companies have made it extremely difficult for therapists to provide the best level of care to patients, and be able to do this one on one. The majority of PT practices that accept insurance double or triple book patients, so you are not getting the individualized or hands-on care you need to get better. In addition, you can actually save money using cash PT by avoiding high deductibles and high co-pays. For example, if you have a high deductible plan, you are responsible for the full amount of charges until your deductible is met, and then you have to pay a co-insurance, or a percentage of the charges. For an initial evaluation, this can be anywhere from $250-450, and most follow-ups will be an estimate of $150-250! At Head and Neck Physical Therapy, you can expect to get better in fewer sessions with the individualized, hands-on care provided.

At this time, we are considered an out-of-network provider with insurance providers. The exception to this is Medicare Part B and Medigold, whom we are in-network and contracted with. However, all patients can receive a superbill that can be submitted to the insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Depending on what your out-of-network benefits are, your insurance may be able to reimburse you for your appointments. Head and Neck Physical Therapy cannot guarantee the amount of reimbursement by your insurance company, if any.

In most cases, no, you do not need a doctor’s referral to come to physical therapy. This is referred to as direct access, which is a law that allows PTs to evaluate patients without a referral. However, your therapist is required to contact a patient’s physician within 5 days to let them know you are under the care of a PT, unless you request otherwise. Therapists are also required to refer a patient to a doctor if no progress is being made after 30 days.

Medicare patients do need to have a referral prior to coming to physical therapy. Some other insurances do require a script if you want to be reimbursed for out-of-network services.

The initial evaluation costs $175, which includes a thorough evaluation and treatment. Each follow-up appointment is $125. Mobile visits (in the comfort of your own home) available upon request, for an additional charge. Dry needling is an extra $25 per session, no matter how many needles are used.

All appointments will be one on one with Jenna and will last 35-40 minutes, depending on your condition and needs. During your first visit, Jenna will conduct a thorough evaluation to figure out what impairments you have and will initiate treatment that first day. You will be sent home with further instruction on what to do and what not to do to help you start feeling better immediately. Please wear clothes you can be comfortable in, no need for specialized attire. During follow-up sessions, Jenna will do a quick screen to determine what treatment still needs to be provided, if any.