Frequently Asked Questions

Cash-based rehabilitation services offer a multitude of advantages over clinics that exclusively accept insurance. First and foremost, I believe that the most significant benefit is the superior level of personalized care practitioners like myself can provide. Unlike insurance-based clinics that often operate under strict guidelines and limitations, cash-based services have the freedom to tailor treatments specifically to each patient's unique needs. When you participate in Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation's services, I am not beholden to timed billing codes. This personalized approach allows me to consider your unique goals, preferences, and progress more comprehensively, resulting in more effective and efficient rehabilitation. More times than not, we are able to reach your goals in much fewer visits. Another key advantage of cash-based services is the absence of insurance-related administrative burdens. In insurance-based clinics, therapists often spend a significant amount of time navigating complex billing processes, seeking pre-authorizations, and adhering to insurance-mandated treatment protocols. I’ve learned from experience that this can detract from the quality of care and the time spent directly with patients. In contrast, within the cash-based model, I have the flexibility to focus more on delivering hands-on therapy, education, and proactive interventions, which ultimately lead to better outcomes and patient satisfaction. Another advantage of cash-based services is the transparency and clarity they offer regarding treatment costs and options. In insurance-based clinics, patients may face uncertainty about coverage, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses, which can lead to financial stress and confusion. Cash-based clinics, on the other hand, typically provide upfront pricing information and clear explanations of services, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care without unexpected financial surprises. At Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation, I can assure you that what you see is what you get!

Quite frankly, re-imbursement rates for the typical outpatient clinic tend to be inadequate. I hate to say it, but it's only getting worse which is quiet disheartening. The constraints imposed by insurance policies often limit the time and resources therapists are able to dedicate to each patient. Clearly, this compromises the quality of care delivered. The constant pressure to meet insurance company requirements and documentation standards can lead to burnout and a sense of frustration among therapists. To be honest, these financial pressures naturally elicit the focus on quantity over quality in insurance-based clinics. Believe me, I have worked in amazing insurance-based clinics with therapists who simply want to help. But the insurance-based model can easily detract from the therapeutic relationship and personalized approach that many therapists find rewarding, which can often contribute to a sense of disillusionment and dissatisfaction in their practice. Practicing as a cash-based practitioner allows me to focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks related to insurance billing, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful therapeutic experience. Cash-based models often attract patients seeking higher quality, personalized care, which can result in better treatment outcomes and stronger therapist-patient relationships... which is much more fun. And I love fun! Lastly, the cash-based model allows me to enjoy greater flexibility in treatment approaches and enables me to explore innovative techniques and tailor interventions to my patient's unique needs. And hey, I love freedom! Overall, the Ascend approach fosters a sense of professional satisfaction and accomplishment. Which is why I got into this career in the first place.

Paying for cash-based rehabilitation instead of insurance-based therapy can lead to potential cost savings in several ways. First, Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation offers transparent pricing and upfront information about session costs, eliminating the uncertainty of co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-network fees commonly associated with insurance plans. This clarity allows you to budget more effectively and avoid unexpected financial burdens. Secondly, Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation also offers package deals if you're interested in longer term care. And because I'm not under any financial pressure to maximize billing from insurance companies, there's no reason to ever prolong your therapy any longer than you need it. If you feel great and are ready cancel your subscription or no longer want to purchase any further packages or treatment sessions, I won't take it personally! All that said, the personalized and focused care provided by cash-based practitioners like myself by and large lead to faster recovery times. And this ultimately means that fewer total sessions are required. So in the short term it might feel like you're spending more, the reality is that you are reducing long-term treatment costs. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of instances where you will absolutely save some money going to a corporate, insurance-based clinic. But I urge you to take closer consideration what you're getting with these treatments: sub-optimal treatment protocols, longer wait times, generic goal setting, and splitting the same (or lesser) amount of treatment time with several other patients.

Yes! If you want to submit a receipt for Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation's services, I can provide you with the documentation and billing codes required. While I am a cash-based provider, we are still considered an out-of-network provider which means that you can still qualify for some kind of re-imbursement.

This answer all depends on your budget, of course. However, often times people tend to experience ongoing repetitive stress injuries due to their lifestyle. This could be owing to the physical demands of their job or perhaps a sport that they're regularly participating in. The reason I bring this up, is that progress in rehab takes time. My recommendation would be to start with the in-person initial visit so we can ascertain the severity of your symptoms and condition. I can then give you an objective assessment of how many potential visits you'll need depending on your goals. All I can do for my clients is offer my clinical recommendation. Then the choice will be totally up to you whether to purchase one of my Treatment Packages, Subscriptions, or simply pay-per-visit. An additional option that I offer, is that my clients are always welcome to simply come in for one complete evaluation visit with no further follow-up visits if that is what's preferred. In that case, I will write up a full assessment report with an individualized home exercise program for ongoing symptom management.

Treatment sessions are 50 minutes.

I understand that life happens. I value our time, so I ask that you please be mindful of your scheduled appointments. My cancellation policies below ensures fairness to all clients and allows me to optimize Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation's schedule for everyone's benefit. For subscription services, no refunds will be issued for any no-show appointments. If a visit included in this subscription is not rescheduled without at least 4 hours advanced notice of the appointment, it will be considered a no-show visit. That appointment will no longer be eligible to be rescheduled and treatment will resume at the next appointment within the subscription plan. In other words, the option to reschedule expires within 4 hours of the appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 5pm, you have until 1pm to reschedule the appointment with no penalty. No refunds will be issued for any cancellations that are not rescheduled within the monthly subscription service. For treatment packages, it's very similar. No refunds will be issued for any no-show appointments. If you anticipate any scheduling conflicts, please notify me as soon as possible to reschedule. If a missed visit included in the package is not rescheduled within 4 hours of the appointment, it will be considered a no-show visit. That appointment will no longer be eligible to be rescheduled and will be considered used up within the set of purchased visits. In other words, the option to reschedule expires within 4 hours of the appointment. For example, if your appointment is at 5pm, you have until 1pm to reschedule the appointment with no penalty. All purchased treatment sessions are valid for 3 months. No refunds will be issued for unused treatment sessions at the end of 3 months. For individually booked Initial Evaluation, Standard Treatment, Telehealth Treatment, and Mobile Treatment Sessions, appointments cancelled at least 24 hours in advance will be subject to a full refund if the visit is not rescheduled. However, cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will be subject to a 50% refund.

Ascend Mobility and Rehabilitation telehealth treatment sessions offer numerous benefits for my clients. First and foremost, they provide convenient access to therapy from the comfort of your home or office, eliminating the need for travel and saving valuable time. This convenience is especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or mobility challenges. Additionally, telehealth visits allow for greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, making it easier to fit therapy sessions into your routine. Moreover, telehealth services often incorporate innovative technologies such as virtual exercises and interactive tools, enhancing the effectiveness of therapy and empowering clients to actively participate in their rehabilitation journey. Overall, telehealth treatment visits for hand therapy services offer a modern, efficient, and effective way to receive high-quality care and achieve optimal upper extremity function and wellness.

I am located in the Alaska Junction in West Seattle. I practice out of my live-work loft in what used to be the flower shop right behind Talerico's Pizzeria off of California Avenue. I have all of the resources offered at a traditional Hand-Therapy clinic available at my loft for our treatment sessions. The main difference will be that you get to choose the music!

Absolutely. Sometimes the ailments we experience are fairly simple and can be managed independently. All you need is a little information and guidance. If you prefer to come for the Evaluation visit, I will ensure that you receive a comprehensive report of all the assessments performed and a thorough, individualized Home Exercise Program.