Frequently Asked
Questions

Vestibular rehabilitation is ordinary PT in a sense, with a more focused look on the vestibular system.  Your vestibular system includes your inner ear, sense of vision, sense of touch, the balance region of your brain, and your ability to quickly and effectively activate proper muscle patterns to stay steady on your feet.  Vestibular PT's treat a variety of conditions including:  BPPV, inner ear disorders, balance disorders, generalized weakness, and frequent falls.  Vestibular PT's are also qualified to treat more typical conditions seen by PT's including gait dysfunction, joint pain, and muscle weakness.

Yes!  Dizziness is a general term used to describe a sensation that some people experience when their vestibular system is malfunctioning.  Not everyone feels dizzy when their vestibular system is impaired, but many people feel off balance.  Imbalance or unsteadiness is the physical manifestation of a malfunctioning vestibular system, i.e. you cannot keep yourself steady on your feet.  A vestibular PT is specialized to treat your balance problems.

The Dizzy PT provides outpatient PT services within the patient's home.  One does not need to "qualify" for home health services in order to enlist our services.  Any doctor's prescription for outpatient PT will qualify you to receive our services, and any vestibular condition can be treated inside your home by our therapists.  Good reasons to enroll in home-based services are being too sick to travel to a physical location, immobility or difficulty getting out of the house, lack of transportation, or just plain convenience!

You do not need a referral from your doctor to begin vestibular rehab in the state of Louisiana.  Other state laws may apply to out of state residents who are receiving telehealth; please see your state's laws on Direct Access for Physical Therapists.  Your therapist will submit your documentation to your primary care physician if you have Medicare, as this is a legal requirement.  We gladly accept referrals if you have one.

Your therapist will bring with them all needed equipment to use during your session, and typically does not need more than simple objects that can be found around your home (like a bed!).

You will need a space that is large enough to accommodate standing in place exercises, free of sharp objects or other hazards.  Most kitchens, living rooms, or bedrooms are large enough to accommodate your session.  It is also recommended that you have a free corner and standard height dining chair readily available for optimal results during balance exercise.  The therapist will have a treatment table for exercises requiring you to lie down, but you may opt to use your bed at home at your discretion.

Your frequency of visits will depend on your condition itself, and other relevant factors such as your schedule and budget.  Generally, most conditions require visits 2-3 times per week for 4-8 weeks.  However, there are outliers to this standard.  Your therapist will recommend a plan that is completely customized to you.

Your initial appointment will last between 60 and 75 minutes.  Additional appointments will last 45-60 minutes.

Telehealth visits are performed via DoxyMe.  Once you make your initial appointment, you will be sent an informational email about how and when to fill out your onboarding paperwork and connect with your therapist.  Sessions last the same amount of time as an in-person visit -- 60-75 minutes for the first visit, then 45-60 minutes for additional visits.  All you need is a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device with good internet connection.

If you do not live in the Baton Rouge area, no problem!  We can drive up to 60 miles to see you.  The first 10 miles are not charged, but any additional mileage is 0.75 cents per mile.  We can come to you via video chat to help you with your problems.  

If you're further than 60 miles, you can be seen via telehealth.  If you are outside of my home state of Louisiana, due to state licensing requirements, only certain states qualify for telehealth.  Review your state's telehealth laws for more information.  An initial deposit and waiting period may need to be observed prior to your initial appointment so that licensing can be pursued in your state.  Please inquire if you are interested in telehealth in your state. 

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.  The reason we cannot perform telehealth in all 50 states is because some states do not have laws allowing PT's to practice virtually on their residents.

The Dizzy PT accepts Medicare and Tricare.  We are out of network with Blue Cross, Humana, and United Healthcare.  We do not accept Medicaid.  For private insurance recipients who do not have out of network coverage, and for otherwise uninsured persons, there are cash-based packages available (see bundle packages below). 

For Medicare and Tricare recipients, the cost to you is often free, but this will be verified prior to your first appointment.  If there is a secondary insurance to Medicare, or if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, there may be some out of pocket costs, as I am out of network with major private insurance companies.  Your benefits will be checked prior to your first treatment, and you will be given a good faith estimate.  

For Medicaid recipients, private insurance recipients or for those who are uninsured, we offer cash-pay packages.  Visits are $125 each, with a 2 visit minimum if purchased individually.

Yes! 

Individual visits:  $125 each with a 2 visit minimum overall.

3 visit package:  $349.  This package is meant to be utilized over the course of 4 weeks, and consists of an initial evaluation, a follow up visit a few days later for exercise instruction, and a visit 4 weeks after initial evaluation to measure for progress.

The number of visits needed will depend on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairment, and the therapist's clinical judgement on your prognosis.  You will be informed of how many visits are recommended for your full recovery by your therapist after your evaluation.  Your progress will be measured frequently to ensure that you are making progress on pace with this recommendation.

If your insurance is not accepted, you can submit a claim with your insurance company independently of The Dizzy PT.  Upon request, documentation needed to file a claim will be provided to you.  Your reimbursement rates will depend on your insurance plan.

We accept all forms of payment, including cash, check, all major credit cards, HSA cards, and Venmo.

Yes!

There are 4 ways to get an appointment.  

1. Call our direct number 225-431-8289 to request an appointment.

2. Send an email to our business email address thedizzypt@icloud.com to request an appointment.

3. Click the "Want to set up a consultation?" button on this website's home page, and submit your contact information.

4. Have your doctor fax a referral to 225-416-6051, and we will contact you directly for an appointment.

We offer the same great care outside of business hours for emergency situations.  There is an outside fee of $50 per session associated with weekends and after-hours appointments.

Yes!  Wellness sessions can be purchased after your discharge from skilled therapy to maintain your strength, mobility, balance, and to prevent dizziness from reemerging.