At Sergent Wellness, we pride ourselves on providing a bespoke approach to physical therapy that puts you, the patient, at the center of everything we do. Our approach is meticulously tailored to your needs. We understand that when it comes to your health, you have choices and your time is valuable. In this blog, we'll outline why our methods stand out, why we've chosen not to participate with insurance, and how our customized technique through physical therapy, personal training, and PEMF, will guide you on the path to achieving your goals.
Our core values of wellness, transparency, efficiency, achievement, and mindfulness guide everything we do here at Sergent Wellness. We believe in empowering your recovery journey by addressing your physical symptoms while also exploring all aspects of wellness, including nutrition, hydration, sleep, mindfulness practices, and more. Our mission is to empower you to live your best life by using progressive treatment options to create tailored recovery plans that lead to achieving your specific goals.
Transparency is an integral part of our process and we want to ensure you are well informed when you make your decision on where to attend therapy, as each option comes with its own pros and cons. First thing’s first, when you identify you have a need for physical therapy, you’ll start by choosing where to go. When choosing your PT you have 3 options:
1. Cash-based
2. Out-of-network
3. In-network
Here, we’ll outline the differences between each option so you can determine which best suits your needs and circumstances.
Cash-Based Model
At Sergent Wellness, we've chosen the Cash-Based model and have found it to be the most efficient and cost effective way for our patients to recover AND reach their full potential. With this option, the physical therapy provider has no association with insurance. You’ll pay for services directly to your provider at the time of service. Think cost transparency: you know your exact cost, with no surprise bills or estimates. Your therapist may provide an itemized bill upon request that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement since this therapy is considered out-of-network. The term “Cash-Based" is just a title; we accept FSA, HSA, credit and debit cards, along with cash or check.
Unlike traditional insurance-driven models, we are not bogged down with administrative requirements, which gives us more time and energy to focus on your care, fostering a stronger therapeutic relationship. Dr Julie has the freedom to spend more time with you, meticulously tailoring each treatment plan to your goals and needs. We address the root cause of your condition and adapt the treatment plan to your needs. This freedom also allows us to shift focus from one body region to another if the need arises. This aspect is essential because the location of your pain is typically just a piece of a larger puzzle. For instance, you may initiate care for low back pain and then, on the day of your appointment, find that you can’t turn your head due to neck pain - we can work that into your appointment time. Our approach includes detailed guidance on how to continue and gradually return to your hobbies and exercise regimen, so you know exactly how to remain as active as possible throughout the recovery process. We work with you one-on-one, meaning no handing off to a tech or aide, or your therapist juggling multiple patients at a time. Your appointment time is fully focused on YOU! When you're ready for therapy, we're ready for you. No need to wait for preauthorization or doctor referrals.
“Julie Sergent has helped me through many injuries throughout the years. She has not only performed various forms of Physical Therapy on my back, hand and foot injuries she has provided me with the knowledge and tools to excel my recovery as well as prevent future injuries. She focuses totally on me as the patient and utilizes the treatments that best serve my condition. She is not affiliated with insurance companies which enable her to provide her patients with treatments and procedures that best serve them. Physical Therapy is an excellent way of healing your body in a noninvasive way.”
- Mary B
Out-of-Network
This means receiving treatment from a provider who is outside of your insurance plan’s network of approved providers. You may have coverage for an out-of-network provider after you meet your plan’s out-of-network deductible; however, it typically comes with a higher out-of-pocket cost compared to in-network. There can be surprise costs associated with this option as your services are either billed to your insurance by your provider, or you are responsible for payment upfront and then wait for any potential reimbursement as determined by your insurance company. It’s important to note that this is still insurance-based care, which means the therapist is typically juggling more than one patient at a time, and a portion of your care will be carried out by ancillary staff.
In-Network
Here, your providers are chosen by your insurance company, dictating your care and often resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach. Staying in-network means you pick from a list of providers chosen by your insurance company. These providers and clinics will have administrative hassles such as additional paperwork and pre-authorizations for visits. Typically, you’ll be responsible for a co-payment, and you’ll be responsible for any treatments performed that are not covered by your insurance (which can be the case even if the provider themselves are in-network). Your PT is typically required to work with multiple patients at one time, and a good portion of your appointment time will be guided by a technician or aide.
The takeaway here: with both in and out of network, you have insurance/third-party involvement. With third-party involvement, productivity and quality of care are inversely related. Although in the short term it may cost less, you end up investing more time and energy and often are left in a similar position as where you started. Trust us, as we’ve seen countless patients that tried this route first and here’s what they say: ”It was a waste of my time.” “My progress was short lived and plateaued quickly.” “I just felt like one of many there” “They never really got to the root of my problem”.
“After seeing multiple other PT's, massage therapists, chiropractors, you name it, I was beginning to think that the tightness/pain I had in my shoulder/trap would be something I'd have to learn to live with because I paid thousands of dollars and had little to no progress. After only a few sessions with Julie at Sergent, I've made significant progress and am on the road to recovery. She was able to assess me holistically, not just the shoulder and treat the issue not the symptoms. Can't recommend enough!”
- John D
INTEGRATIVE, PERSONALIZED, MODERN PHYSICAL THERAPY
We are committed to staying at the forefront of healthcare advancements by utilizing technology and progressive treatment options. We incorporate the use of modalities often not found in standard therapy clinics such as PEMF. Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field, is a form of therapy that sends magnetic waves into the body to naturally influence healing and optimize function at a cellular level. This grounding energy is exactly what our cells need to function better, heal faster, and push inflammation out of the body. We've achieved phenomenal results using PEMF as a standalone treatment to address various concerns, including pain from osteoarthritis, chronic muscle tension, sleep disturbances, elevated stress, low back pain, poor immune function, bone fractures, and more. Discover how PEMF can benefit you here.
Additionally we utilize an app that allows us to design customized routines tailored to each patient's needs. The app features instructional videos and progress tracking, making it easier for patients to follow their exercises correctly and stay on track. By providing this digital support, we can ensure continuity of care even after patients graduate from in-person sessions, helping them maintain their progress and achieve longer-term health goals.
A unique arm of our approach is how we encourage open communication with outside personal trainers and coaches. We work closely with Coach Stephanie of Three Peaks Coaching, offering a seamless transition to strength training and achieving specific fitness and nutrition goals. This bridges the gap between rehab and performance. Combining the knowledge of our Doctor of Physical Therapy + Master Health Coach significantly reduces set backs and dials in progressive loading for long-term success. This tested system empowers our patients to continue exercising to their max potential during and after their physical therapy plan of care.
If you've tried traditional physical therapy without success or feel limited by insurance requirements, we invite you to experience the Sergent Wellness difference. We are committed to delivering exceptional care focused on your well-being. Our patient-centered approach, innovative treatment methods, and dedication to excellence set us apart. Together, we will embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.
“Julie is professional and knowledgeable. Her passion for what she does is evident. She has been helping me through a year old neck injury for a little over a month now. In the past year I have been to a corporate PT clinic several times and have taken a lot more medication than I wanted to. I finally resorted to getting injections in my neck. Within 2 weeks of seeing Julie I was not taking any more meds and my pain level was so low that I didn’t need to continue with the testing the pain management clinic was doing for ablation of the nerves in my neck. PEMF has enhanced my healing process as well. I feel so good every time I leave there. Julie and Hayley are the best! I couldn’t be more thrilled with getting my quality of life back to what I enjoyed over a year ago!”
- Lynn K