Frequent Questions:

Q. Do I need a referral from my doctor before I can schedule an appointment for physical therapy?

A. No. Direct Access gives patients the potential to start their physical therapy treatment prior to having a referral from their physician; however many insurance plans do require a “prescription/written order” to be on file at the time of the first appointment. We are happy to check these benefits for you beforehand; please call our office with your insurance information.

Q. Which insurance companies do you accept?

A. We are a provider of the following insurance companies:

  • Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield

  • Pacific Source

  • MODA Health

  • VA

  • Tricare

  • Cigna

  • Medicare

  • Plans that process under Providence Preferred Network

  • Workers Compensation (Dependent upon carrier)

  • Providence

  • Providence Preferred

  • Motor Vehicle/PIP claims

  • HealthNet

  • Premera BC/BS

  • First Choice Health

  • AETNA

February 27, 2025

Green Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness is committed to offering the highest level of professional one-on-one care to all our valued patients, and we appreciate the trust you have shown when choosing our staff as part of your care and recovery. While being an in-network participating and/or preferred provider with most insurance companies, there have been some instances in the past where we have needed to end a contract due to escalating billing costs coupled with reduced reimbursement rates. This was the case with United Healthcare several years ago when our dedicated efforts to renegotiate a fair contract failed.

Over the following years, we continued to submit claims to United Healthcare and its subsidiaries as an out-of-network provider when policies allowed. However, we are finding ourselves once again faced with growing challenges of delayed payments, reduced reimbursement rates, and heightened levels of administrative requirements that are not sustainable. It is due to these unfortunate changes within United Healthcare’s operational protocol that we must end our ability to submit out-of-network claims to UHC and its subsidiaries.

We at Green Ridge Physical Therapy & Wellness hope to be able to continue assisting in your health and recovery. We are mindful of your financial well-being and that this is also an important component of wellness. One option to consider is to become a self-pay patient (which includes a discounted rate) and to inquire with your carrier about your insurance coverage and if you can submit receipts for reimbursement. We can provide you with a detailed statement that includes payment details, procedure and diagnosis codes to submit. These changes will go into effect on 3/1/25. We would like to encourage you to contact United Healthcare and communicate to them how their business policies and decisions impact their clients; hearing directly from you helps them to better understand the impact they are having on the care their insured can access.

Respectfully,

Carol Statton, Billing Manager

Q. Do you accept Medicare patients?

A. Yes; Medicare does always require a written prescription from your doctor.

Q. How are benefits affected by the deductible on my plan?

A. With each new calendar year or plan anniversary date, insurance deductibles usually begin anew. This amount will generally need to be satisfied before physical therapy benefits will be paid by your insurance.

Q. How many visits does my insurance allow?

A. Each carrier and plan has differing allowances. Our office is happy to call on the details of your plan for you.

Q. How early should I arrive before my first appointment and what should I bring with me?

A. It is best to come in 15-20 minutes early to complete paperwork. Please bring in your doctor’s written order, your insurance card (which we will make a copy of), picture ID (such as a driver’s license), and a pair of shorts (if possible) for the evaluation.

Q. How long does an average appointment last?

A. It is best to plan for a one hour time period.

Q. Does a massage therapy appointment need to be in conjunction with physical therapy?

A. We offer massage therapy appointments both in conjunction with physical therapy, as well as independently. Many types of massage therapy are available, and range from 30-90 minutes.