Question 1

Do I need a prescription for Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

As of September 1, 2019, Texas law allows you to begin physical therapy without a prescription — for up to 10 consecutive days. If treatment continues beyond that, you’ll need a prescription from a licensed Doctor (MD or DO), Chiropractor, Podiatrist, Dentist, Physician Assistant, or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Question 2

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

In a nutshell, no. 
Why you ask? The very nature of insurance companies influences and dictates the type and amount of treatment, which benefits reimbursement schedules, but not generally the patient. Insurance covers 30 minutes sessions, which only allows for chasing pain and symptom management. This paradigm often exhausts insurance benefits and frequently leaves the patient dissatisfied, with incomplete results. Private pay allows Dr. Laura to give you an hour or more of focused, individualized care without worry as to whether or not treatment will be covered. This model allows her to get to the root cause of the problems contributing to your pain and dysfunction with quicker recovery time.

Question 3

What is the cost for Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Here’s our current fee schedule:
Initial Evaluation (Basic – 1–2 issues): $285 (60 minutes)
Initial Evaluation (Complex – 3+ issues): $365 (90 minutes)
Initial Evaluation (Pelvic Floor): $365 (90 minutes)
Follow-Up Session (Standard): $220 (60 minutes)
Follow-Up Session (Extended): $330 (90 minutes)

A non-refundable $100 deposit is required at booking. It is credited toward your evaluation, but forfeited if you cancel for any reason.

Question 4

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Internal Alchemy is a fee-for-service clinic, and payment is due at the time of service. We accept:
Cash
Check
Credit Card
HSA/FSA funds
Receipts with appropriate billing codes can be provided to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Let us know if you’d like these — they are emailed monthly.

Question 5

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We require 48 business hours notice for cancellations or changes.
If you cancel late or no-show, you will be charged the full session fee.
To cancel, you must text or call:
 📞 512-893-1448
 (Emails are not accepted for cancellations.)

Question 6

What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

The experience at Internal Alchemy, LLC will be quite different from the typical, traditional physical therapy clinic in a gym setting with rows of treatment tables and no privacy. Dr. Laura works with one client at a time in a private room, giving each her full focus and attention. She utilizes in-depth evaluation techniques and draws from her wide skill set to treat with an integrative, whole body approach. The environment is designed to be a safe space that facilitates healing, promotes empowerment, and offers the opportunity for therapeutic dialogue, which leads to the client’s own increased self awareness and problem resolution. Your first appointment will begin with a thorough evaluation assessing your posture, skeletal alignment, muscle firing, soft tissue restrictions, deficits in strength and range of motion and movement patterns. Dr. Laura will then move into treatment so that you leave after the first appointment feeling a noticeable improvement. She will design a custom home exercise program with you that will add an exercise or two each time you come for a session. First, you will be instructed in detail and given the opportunity to practice. You are then expected to complete your program at home. Modifications and exercise progression will be made as you make your way through the healing process. Dr. Laura believes in the capability of her patient’s to be responsible for their healing and in empowering her patients with tools for recovery, restoration, strength and wellness. She believes you should come to physical therapy for hands on treatment, not babysitting while you do your home exercise program.

Question 7

What do I wear during therapy?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Laura uses an integrated, whole body treatment approach. For this to work effectively, she needs to have access to your skin, free of heavy lotions, oils or creams. This allows her to contact the skin more effectively versus sliding off. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. If your main concern involves the lower extremities, bring loose fitting shorts to change into.

Question 8

Can I wear perfume or scents to my therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Laura offices with HEAL Austin. Their office requires all clients and patients to honor their scent free policy, regardless of which provider they are visiting. Many clients are scent sensitive and can get sick from being in the vicinity of smells. Please respect this policy and refrain from wearing synthetic perfumes or heavy essential oils such as patchouli.

Question 9

Can I use my cell phone during my therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Laura and HEAL have a no cell phone use policy in the lobby or treatment room.

Question 10

Can I use my insurance for reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Some clients may be able to receive partial reimbursement from their insurance provider for out-of-network physical therapy. Use the worksheet below to guide your phone call with your provider and find out what’s covered.

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Frequently asked questions