How Do I Speak to Someone?
We currently use an answering service to manage all calls. Those calls are returned by email communication daily. You’ll need to provide an email address if you would like a response or have a question. You can also use the contact form (on the right of this page).
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
Here are the steps:
1. Call or use the “Contact Us” form to request an appointment. State if you want to use insurance or pay cash.
2. You’ll receive a secure email from Encryo (check your spam folder) with required paperwork that must be filled out and returned within 48 hours to get on the wait list. The link will expire in 48 hours.
3. Digitally sign and return the paperwork. Your insurance benefits will be verified (if applicable).
4. As soon as an opening comes up, a link will be sent allowing you to book your appointment.
5. Pay your evaluation fee or any deductible/copay (if applicable) no less than 24 business hours prior to your scheduled appointment to hold it. Your appointment will be canceled if not paid.
6. Arrive for your scheduled evaluation and bring your insurance cards, driver’s license (or state-issued photo ID) and active credit card to your appointment.
Note: A doctor’s referral is not required to make your first appointment, but your doctor will need to sign the plan of care after your evaluation before we can begin treatment. If you want to bill insurance, you or your doctor’s office will need to submit demographics (insurance information, DOB, patient name and address) as described in #1 above. We will verify your insurance coverage and review the results with you via email before a visit is scheduled. (If you are a medical provider, visit this link.)
What Are My Options for Getting Treatment?
1. The Office
The office relocated from Carrollton to 309 W. Eldorado Parkway in Little Elm, Texas.
2. In Your Home
In rare cases, you may be able to be seen in your home. You must live within 10 miles of the office: 309 W. Eldorado Parkway in Little Elm. If you do not live within 10 miles, you can schedule a Telehealth consult (below).
Note: You cannot receive home health services while we are seeing you due to insurance reimbursement rules. You will have to pay cash out of pocket OR discharge services with your home health agency before we can see you (and they’ll need to fax a copy of that discharge to 214-614-9352). (In some cases, you may be receiving hospice care and be eligible for our services. We will have to verify your insurance benefits to determine eligibility.)
Note: In 2023, we will no longer be making home visits.
3. Telehealth
If you live more than 10 miles outside of Little Elm and would like an online consult, let us know. We’ll send a secure link for you to electronically sign the required patient form and an invoice to pay for the session. Once we receive your signed form & payment, we’ll confirm your appointment. You’ll use the following telehealth link.
What will Treatment Cost?
Treatment cost varies based on what is done and how long a session takes. After your evaluation, we can better advise you of what we anticipate each visit will cost. Billing is usually based on procedural codes (insurance billing codes) that are commonly time-based.
For Medicare, you’ll have a deductible. In 2022 for occupational therapy lymphedema services, that deductible is $233. (In 2023, it is $226.) Medicare usually covers 80% of therapy-related costs after your deductible is met. If you have supplemental insurance, they usually cover the remaining 20%.
For private pay, you’ll receive an invoice for your evaluation prior to the first scheduled visit. Payment is required to reserve your initial appointment. After that, payment is due at the time of each visit.
What Insurance Do You Accept?
We are in-network with Medicare and pending in-network with other major carriers as of June 2022. (For insurance updates, click here.) We accept all other insurance. If we are not in-network with your insurance company, you’ll need to pay for your service at the time it is provided. We will still file insurance claims for each visit on your behalf (as most medical offices do), but your insurance company will send their payment to you (instead of us) according to your policy with them. We have found this process reduces billing hassles later for everyone.
What to Expect in Your First Visit
Your first session is an evaluation. No treatment will be provided during this visit. We’ll discuss your past medical history, surgeries, when swelling began, compression or treatment you’ve tried, your goals for therapy, etc. We’ll determine the best course of action for your goals at this time.
For select home visits, your appointment time is approximate. Please allow 30 minutes before and after your scheduled time for arrival to accommodate unforeseen events (such as traffic, prior patient needs, etc.). We will notify you when heading your way for a more precise time.
What to Expect in Treatment
Lymphedema treatment usually involves CDT (complete decongestive therapy) which includes manual lymph drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging, skin care and exercise. Education is also provided. At the end of treatment, you’ll likely be fit with a compression garment (such as a sleeve or hose). A daytime & night time garment is recommended. Sometimes (2) daytime garments are needed for hygiene. Not all people are appropriate for CDT. Your reason for swelling, any other health issues and your goals are all considered during your evaluation.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
Visit time is usually an hour but may be more or less. Frequency is usually three to five times per week but also varies. Duration of therapy is often anywhere from two to six weeks. All time frames depend on your plan of care, presentation, needs and goals.
