Q: What is Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT)?

A: Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) is a sophisticated form of manual therapy that focuses on relieving strains in specific tissues that have been damaged due to trauma, infection, or inflammation. IMT is a structural-based form of treatment, meaning that the focus is on specific anatomical tissue. IMT is taught through the Connecticut School of IMT in Bloomfield, CT. For more information, please visit:  www.centerimt.com

Q: How is IMT treatment different from traditional physical therapy?

A: The focus of IMT is on the treatment of specific tissues in order to restore the potential for that tissue to function as normally as possible. There is a tissue-specific technique for every tissue in the body. An IMT treatment session focuses on finding and treating tissues in the body that are limiting the body's return to normal function and are causing pain and decreases in range of motion.

In our office we do not use ultrasound, electric stim, hot or cold packs, or any other traditionally used PT modalities. All treatments are 100% manual, and all patients receive a 55-minute hour treatment that is completely performed by a licensed physical therapist.

Q: What is the cost of treatment?

A: The cost of each 55-minute hour of treatment is $160. The cost is the same for treatment and evaluation. Half-hour treatment sessions are also available at a cost of $80.

Q: What insurances are accepted?

A: Total Health PT is a cash-based practice; we do not accept insurance. We have a professional billing agent who can submit claims on your behalf at no charge. We will see patients who are under the care of workman's compensation as long as we have prior approval for payment. We will see patients who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident as long as we have payment approval in advance by the insurance company.

Q: Do most patients receive insurance reimbursement?

A: Most of our patients rely on receving insurance reimbursement. We bill usual and customary PT codes and will make sure patients receive the documentation necessary to receive the maximum reimbursement available. We advise our patients to contact their insurance companies prior to their first visit to find out what their benefits are for outpatient, out-of-network physical therapy visits.

Q: Do I need a prescription from my physician in order to be treated?

A: In the District of Columbia patients do not need an MD prescription to receive physical therapy treatment.  In Virginia, however, an MD prescription is required.

All Medicare patients require an MD prescription for PT as well as a signed plan of care. We work with our Medicare patients to ensure our documentation fulfills Medicare requirements.

As most of our patients file for insurance reimbursement, we recommend that even if they are being treated primarily in DC, we have an MD referral on file in order to minimize insurance issues.

Q: Do you take Medicare?

A: Our practice charges the Medicare rate for our PT services. Medicare patients pay at the time of service and our biller sends the claims electronically to Medicare. Patients are reimbursed directly by Medicare, and Medicare will send the information to a secondary insurance as well if the patient has coverage.

Q: What types of patients are treated using IMT?

A: We treat a wide range of patients. Patients generally seek out IMT because they are looking for an effective holistic form of treatment. Our philosophy is comprehensive and system-specific. Because we are looking at all tissues in the body, we have great results with patients who are complex. Many patients are referred to us by area PTs who are taking IMT classes and are looking for guidance with treating challenging patients.

The conditions we treat include (but are not limited to): severe neck and back pain; headaches; pre and post surgery; pre and post natal; severe orthopedic issues; mild to severe neurological issues; chronic and acute Lyme; ADD/ADHD/executive function disorder; autism; and chronic medical issues including autoimmune disorders and IBS.

Q: How do I make an appointment?

A: Our DC office handles appointment scheduling for both offices. You can reach us at (202) 669-8098.