The Details…
Direct Access
We have limited Direct Access in Michigan. What this means is that legally you can be seen for physical therapy without a prescription for 10 visits or 21 days. If you still need physical therapy after that time you will need a prescription from your provider. The benefit of this system is that in the allowed time you will either feel better, or it will give you time to see your provider and get a prescription without interrupting your care.
The good news is legislation (SB 668) is being presented to give Michigan true Direct Access, meaning there would be no limit on visits.
Despite the fact that we have Direct Access, most insurance companies still require a prescription to pay for physical therapy.
If you would like to support this effort go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TPXHRPD to share your physical therapy experience.
Medicare’s bizarre rules
If you are 65 or older, we cannot see you for physical therapy.
Medicare groups providers into several groups:
Participating providers who accept Medicare payments as full reimbursement
Non-participating providers who accept Medicare payments as partial reimbursement and charge the patient an additional fee
Opt-out providers who cannot bill Medicare and accept cash only
The only group that is not required to submit claims to Medicare is the opt-out group. The problem is that to opt-out you must be either a “physician” or “practitioner” and physical therapists are not listed within the opt-out law’s definition of either. So, because physical therapists cannot “opt-out”, if they see a Medicare patient for covered services they MUST submit a claim to Medicare. I am choosing not to participate with any insurance companies due to the severe limitations on allowed treatments and poor reimbursement.
The good news is you CAN be seen for “never covered” services such as prevention, wellness, and fitness.
Click here for a well written article with more details.
HIPAA Notice
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES (NPP)
Willow Tree Physical Therapy
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
1. Our Legal Duty
Willow Tree Physical Therapy is required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI), provide you with this notice of our legal duties, and follow the privacy terms currently in effect.
2. How We May Use & Disclose PHI
• Treatment: Coordinating physical therapy care, clinical consultations, and referrals with other healthcare providers.
• Payment: Billing your health insurance plan, clearinghouse, or personal payment method for physical therapy services rendered.
• Operations: Conducting clinical quality assessments, internal audits, staff evaluations, and practice management tasks.
3. Patient Rights Under HIPAA & HITECH
• Right to inspect and obtain an electronic or paper copy of your medical records within 30 days.
• Right to request confidential communications or restrictions on disclosures.
• Right to be notified following a breach of unsecured PHI.
4. Complaints & Contact Information
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file an anonymous complaint with the Willow Tree Physical Therapy Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Willow Tree Physical Privacy Officer:
Wynne Tezak, PT
1015 US 23 N, Suite 2
Alpena MI, 49707
Phone number (989) 404-9725
Effective Date
This Notice is effective May 7, 2024. Updated September 29, 2026