Frequently Asked Questions
Q : What can I expect at my first appointment?
A : Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early in order to fill out any paperwork that may not have been filled out online. When you schedule your first appointment, you will receive an email request to fill out your intake forms – just follow the instructions. This process is all online and helps us cut down on paperwork, protect your privacy, and do our part to reduce waste.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so your practitioner is better able to evaluate your needs. Your practitioner will take the time to discuss your health history, your current health, and your wellness goals. We will work with you to determine the best modalities for your treatment. Don’t worry! You should not feel pressure to explain your entire existence in a five-minute interview. Wellness is an ongoing process. We will get to know each other throughout each session and from one session to another. We travel your path with you!
Q : What should I wear to an appointment?
A : The focus of your treatment should dictate your attire (for example, no tight sleeves if you need shoulder work). Loose, comfortable fitting clothing is always appropriate. Your therapist will provide draping if you need to remove any clothing. If you have any questions, ask your therapist. Your comfort is our priority.
Q : What is Manual Therapy?
A : Manual Therapy is defined as “skilled hand movements intended to improve tissue extensibility.” It is the skilled manipulation of joints and soft tissues to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. Advanced techniques of joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and specific localized massage are specifically combined in order to relieve pain, reduce stress, mobilize joints, improve range of motion, and normalize posture and alignment.
Q : What conditions benefit from manual therapy?
A : There are countless conditions that benefit from manual therapy, including: arthritis, asthma, back pain, balance disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, multiple sclerosis, myofascial pain syndrome, neck & shoulder dysfunctions, Parkinson’s disease, pelvic pain, postural issues, repetitive motion and strain injuries, range of motion (ROM) restrictions, scars, stress, sports injuries, and vertigo.
Q : What is Integrative Medicine?
A : The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institute of Health defines integrative medicine as the combination of mainstream medical treatments with Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Complementary and alternative therapies include: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Manual Therapies (massage, chiropractic therapy, osteopathy), mind-body interventions, and energy therapies.
“Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.” – The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine
Q : What is Corrective Exercise?
A : Corrective Exercise is rooted in an understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics. This understanding enables the therapist to “assess and determine the root cause of imbalances and faulty movement patterns that lead to issues with posture, balance, and total body coordination.” (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Q : What is Acupuncture?
A : Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles at specific points in the body and are a key modality in the Traditional Chinese Medicine medical paradigm. These specific points are called acupoints which can be stimulated by acupuncture needles or massage (acupressure).
Q : What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
A : Thousands of years old, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical paradigm that treats the whole person. Utilizing acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, nutrition, movement, and exercise, the practitioner focuses on restoring the dynamic balance between yin and yang in the person.
“According to TCM, a person is healthy when harmony exists between these two forces; illness, on the other hand, results from a breakdown in the equilibrium of yin and yang.” (Britannica)
Q : Do you accept same-day appointments?
A : Yes. If we have availability in the schedule, we will do our best to accommodate you!
Q : Do you accept insurance?
A : Sadhana Health is an Out-of-Network provider. In order to provide you with comprehensive care that is not limited by time constraints, we are not contracted with any private insurance companies or with Medicare at this time.
HOW TO OBTAIN A SUPERBILL
If you have a PPO insurance plan with Out-of-Network coverage, a portion of your treatment cost may be covered by your insurance plan. Reimbursement amounts are based on your individual insurance plan’s allowable limit. You will only receive a cash reimbursement if you have met your out-of-pocket deductible for the year.
A physician (MD/DO) referral is required if you would like to submit a claim to your insurance company. Referrals should be written for “Physical Therapy”. In rare instances, you will need a referral for “Acupuncture”. Your diagnosis will need to be included in your physician referral.
Q : What payment methods do you accept?
A : We accept checks (established patients only), credit cards, and cash in exact change. Payment is due at the time services are rendered.
Q : DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION from A DOCTOR TO BEGIN PHYSICAL THERAPY?
A : No, under California Law AB1000, you do not need a prescription to receive a physical therapy evaluation and treatment services for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever comes first. After this initial period, you must then seek consult with a primary care physician or specialist in order to then obtain a superbill to use out-of-network benefits to cover future visits.
Q : What is a good faith estimate?
A : Under the law, health care providers are required to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. A "good faith estimate" explains how much your medical care will cost and this will be explained to on your first day.
Good Faith Estimate Notice
Notice of Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges Under the No Surprises Act
- You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
- Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who self-pay for their services an estimate of the bill for medical items and services (including physical therapy).
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services, including physical therapy services.
- Ensure your physical therapist gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your services begin. You can also ask your physical therapist and any other provider you choose for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at 1-800-985-3059.
Q : What if I need to cancel an appointment?
A : 48-hour advance notice is required when canceling an appointment. If you are unable to provide 48 hours advance notice, you will be charged for the full amount of that appointment which will be due before your next appointment. In our desire to be effective and fair to all of our patients, we have a clear policy for cancellations, no-shows, and late arrivals. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with our full cancellation policy in order to avoid having to pay for a session you missed!
Q : I have a mild cold, but I feel fine! Can I still come to my appointment?
A : NO. In this case, sharing is NOT caring! If you are sick or contagious, please reschedule your appointment for another time. For the wellness of all of our patients, we must decline treatment to anyone who arrives to a session sick. Arriving to a session sick will be treated as a no-show and the patients will be charged for that appointment. We ask that you please respect this rule for our most fragile patients.
