the BEGINNING
My name is Nicki Evans and I am a physical therapist and owner of Stride Physical Therapy and Wellness. Stride PT and Wellness is about treating the whole person. I am a firm believer in movement as medicine. I like to focus on a hands-on approach in conjunction with active movement to help restore function. Stride PT and Wellness is a concierge/self-pay clinic which allows me to focus on the client with undivided one-on-one attention.
THE Therapist
Nicki
I am a physical therapist and owner of Stride Physical Therapy and Wellness. I am native to the Delmarva peninsula. I grew up in Berlin, MD and played soccer at Stephen Decatur High School. I played collegiate soccer at Middle Tennessee State University and Francis Marion where I finished my undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and found my passion for physical therapy. I graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of the Pacific in California in 2009. Since 2009 I have been working, full-time, as an outpatient physical therapist. I have been married to my wonderful husband since 2011. We have 1 daughter together and I was blessed with 2 stepsons. I am a firm believer in movement as medicine. I like to focus on a hands-on approach in conjunction with active movement to help restore function. I am an active runner and in my free time I like to be outdoors – the beach, pool, boating, hanging out with friends and traveling.
THE GREAT DEBATE: SELF-PAY VS INSURANCE
Current Insurances accept: Highmark BCBS, Workers' Compensation DE and MD, Auto
Self- Pay
The big question – DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE. Well, the short answer is maybe, but hear me out. Is insurance always the right answer – NO, NOT ALWAYS.
In the medical field you always hear the words insurance, in–network, out-of-network, co-pays, and deductibles, but does using insurance mean you are getting the most benefit or the biggest bang for your buck? You may also be thinking, well I already pay for my insurance, and yes while that is true, you have the ability to get full or partial reimbursement from your insurance carrier for self-pay or cash-based services.
The next question is paying out of pocket/not using insurance for some things like massage, acupuncture, and personal training are considered normal by most people. Paying out of pocket for physical therapy which can include all of the above treatments seems scary – let’s talk below about how using the self-pay model could be beneficial to you.
Let’s chat about the benefits of paying out of pocket for physical therapy:
Self-Pay
Potential to have more control over the frequency and duration of your visits.
You get:
Undivided attention of your therapist
A Therapist that is not backed up with paperwork
A therapist who does not have to play the insurance game
You will be given a Superbill that allows you to submit for out-of-network benefits allowing you to get partial reimbursement, which then makes your session cost even less.
MEDICARE/MEDICAID PATIENTS
No, I am not allowed to see Medicare/Medicaid clients for medically necessary treatments as that is deemed illegal. I am allowed to see these clients for wellness visits and injury prevention. Unfortunately, that is not reimbursable and a Superbill can not be given.
Self- Pay
The big question – DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE. Well, the short answer is maybe, but hear me out. Is insurance always the right answer – NO, NOT ALWAYS.
In the medical field you always hear the words insurance, in–network, out-of-network, co-pays, and deductibles, but does using insurance mean you are getting the most benefit or the biggest bang for your buck? You may also be thinking, well I already pay for my insurance, and yes while that is true, you have the ability to get full or partial reimbursement from your insurance carrier for self-pay or cash-based services.
The next question is paying out of pocket/not using insurance for some things like massage, acupuncture, and personal training are considered normal by most people. Paying out of pocket for physical therapy which can include all of the above treatments seems scary – let’s talk below about how using the self-pay model could be beneficial to you.
Let’s chat about the benefits of paying out of pocket for physical therapy:
- There can be more control over the treatment plan: When you pay out of pocket for physical therapy, the client has more control over the frequency and duration of the treatment. They are also able to choose their provider versus being limited by who their insurance will cover in-network.
- You will get 1:1 time with the therapist. You will see the SAME provider the whole session as compared to the insurance-based model where you may see multiple providers (PT, PTA, tech) during a session or multiple sessions.
- You may have faster access to treatment: you are not limited by the insurance company's potential need for pre-approval.
- No insurance restrictions: Insurance companies may impose limitations on the number of visits that are covered. You may also be required to have a referral from a physician. Self-pay clients are not subject to these restrictions.
- Flexibility: Clients can schedule appointments at their own convenience, they may discuss what works best for their schedule as well as the therapist.
Self-Pay
Potential to have more control over the frequency and duration of your visits.
You get:
Undivided attention of your therapist
A Therapist that is not backed up with paperwork
A therapist who does not have to play the insurance game
You will be given a Superbill that allows you to submit for out-of-network benefits allowing you to get partial reimbursement, which then makes your session cost even less.
MEDICARE/MEDICAID PATIENTS
No, I am not allowed to see Medicare/Medicaid clients for medically necessary treatments as that is deemed illegal. I am allowed to see these clients for wellness visits and injury prevention. Unfortunately, that is not reimbursable and a Superbill can not be given.
Stride physical therapy and wellness
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