What to expect
Location
Valerio Pelvic Health is a mobile practice, which means there is no office location; I see clients at private locations convenient to them, typically (but not always) the client's home.
Rates
In order to ensure adequate time for comprehensive, personalized care, we schedule 90-minute evaluations and 60-minute treatment sessions.
90-minute evaluation $225
60-minute treatment $150
Why don't you take insurance?
The short answer is that I can provide better care when insurance companies are not involved.
Insurance companies place a number of restrictions on the care that clinicians can offer, regardless of what is clinically appropriate. Allowing insurance companies to dictate the number and frequency of sessions and which treatments will be reimbursed would mean I was working for them, not for you. What's more, insurance may only continue to pay for sessions if a client demonstrates what they deem to be an acceptable degree of "progress" with every session, a fact which can contribute to stress and anxiety and is often counter-productive.
I don't take insurance because in order to best serve my clients, I need to develop and provide an individualized plan of care that is most appropriate for the person in front of me, in collaboration with that person and without outside interference.
To that end, I accept cash, Venmo, and credit and debit cards, including FSA/HSA cards. Some insurance plans will reimburse you for out-of-network services, in part or in full, and some don't. If you would like to submit documentation to see if your insurance company will provide any reimbursement, I am happy to provide you with a superbill, a document outlining what you paid for the services provided
How should I prepare for my appointment?
For optimal hygiene and so that I am carrying as few items as possible between homes, I ask that you provide a few basic items to make your sessions as smooth and comfortable as possible, including sheets or other coverings of your choice and two or three pillows for positioning.
I bring other things with me which I would not expect clients to have handy or which would be an undue burden to you. Materials I bring in are either disposable or are sanitized between sessions.
I provide all initial intake forms ahead of time in order to make the most of our time together. If there are any items you are not sure how to answer, or if I have follow-up questions about your responses, we can always address them during your evaluation.
What should I expect for the first visit?
During your initial evaluation, we will take the time to discuss your needs, concerns, and goals for therapy. This visit often also includes a hands-on (or hands-off!) assessment of areas of concern, which will vary from one person to another but may include core function, alignment and posture, and pelvic floor function.
Do you do an internal exam at the first visit?
For many people seeking pelvic therapy, an internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles via the vagina or rectum provides a lot of useful information. That said, it is never the only option, nor is it appropriate for everyone. In any case, it is always up to you, the client, what works for you. If you are not comfortable with an internal exam, I won't do one! If you are comfortable with an internal exam, or if you're not sure, it doesn't always have to happen during our first visit. Whatever you decide, you can always change your mind. If you have more questions about our assessment and treatment options, please get in touch to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation discovery call.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Yes. In some states, including Missouri, occupational therapy services (including pelvic floor therapy) require a doctor's referral. If you need assistance securing a referral, I would be happy to reach out to your provider to help facilitate one.