Electric Stimulation Physical Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions

Where is On Pointe Wellness and Recovery located?


  • Currently, On Pointe operates exclusively as a mobile, in-home service, so we come directly to you. We are optimistic about establishing a physical ​location in the very near future to provide that option for our clients as well; however, at this time we are focused on delivering our services within ​your space and are equipped with everything needed to facilitate care on-site.


Do I need a prescription, script or physician's referral?


  • On June 26, 2014, Governor Rick Snyder signed SB 690, which allows a physical therapist or phsyical therapy assistant to treat "self-referring" ​patients without a prescription from a physician under 2 circumstances (1) treatment may occur up to 21 days or 10 treatments, whichever comes ​first (2) the patient is seeing physical therapy services to prevent injury or promote fitness


Can I come see you if I'm not injured?


  • Absolutely. My treatment philosophy is we address you, the patient. That may be a couple of sessions to treat an acute injury, or it may be ​quarterly movement assessments to make sure that your body is in a position to avoid injury. Like seeing your PCP or dentist, our goal would be ​establishing a routine with you to make sure you continue moving freely and now, with Michigan being a "direct access" state and On Pointe being ​a cash-based practice, you do not need a doctor referral to seek care.

What can I expect for my first visit?


  • A lot of talking and gentle movement.  The goal of the initial assessment is for me to get to know you and for you to get to know me. I want to ​know your likes, your dislikes, what causes you pain, what doesn't cause you pain.  What do you like to do on the weekends?  What do you do ​during the week?  What do you wish you could do better but may feel restricted by movement or even fear?  


  • The initial assessment is scheduled for 75 minutes to allow for long dialogue and also a full body movement assessment.  We'll focus on general ​movements to see if we're able to identify any deficits that may be causing you pain or could potentially expose you to injury.  Athletic clothes ​are recommended and we ask that you complete the new patient paperwork ahead of time so we can get down to business immediately.

Do you do telehealth visits?


  • I do. As a parent and a person that always seems to be finding new projects, I understand the time-constraints we all face on a daily basis. ​Telehealth is a great option for us to continue our established plan without having to spend time traveling to/from the clinic and I will do my best ​to provide my clients with options that work best for them.


Do you treat Medicare patients?


  • At On Pointe Wellness and Recovery, we are not legally able to treat individuals with Medicare; however, we would be happy to discuss your ​concerns over the phone and assist you in finding a provider that meets your needs. David can be reached out 313 - 591 - 0677

​What should I wear to my appointment?


  • Athletic clothes are always recommended. For lower-extremity injuries (hips, knees, shins, etc.), shorts are recommended. For upper-extremity ​(shoulder, elbow, wrist, etc.) t-shirts or tank tops are recommended. For general conditioning, yoga pants and joggers are fine.


Can I submit a claim to my insurance for reimbursement?


  • This largely depends on your specific insurance plan, but generally, YES, most NON-Medicare patients can submit “self-claims” to their insurance ​provider for treatments received at our clinic. You can typically download claim forms from your insurance company’s website and send them ​along with the required receipts and treatment codes, which can be requested from our clinic.


  • The reimbursement amount or credit towards your deductible varies based on your insurance plan. When you contact your insurance company ​for more information, be sure to ask about reimbursement for "out-of-network Physical Therapy" expenses submitted through self-claims.

Why don't you take insurance?


  • Simply Put: We want to work with you to develop the best plan for you and we don’t want insurance to dictate who you see, how long our ​sessions can be and how often we can work together. We don’t think other people need to dictate what “we,” the clinician and client, do. If ​you’ve been to other clinics, you’ll notice pretty quickly our goals are different. When insurance is involved, clinics tend to be volume based as ​they need to see a large number of patients in order to meet their quota necessary for paying for their overhead. Therefore, more patients ​needed to be seen usually equates to less interactions with providers. Furthermore, as reimbursement rates continue to decrease, the ​constraints will only get worse.


  • Fancy Wording: At On Pointe Wellness and Recovery, we value transparency and open communication as essential for fostering successful ​partnerships. We encourage open sharing and commit to reflecting the same level of transparency. Our clinic differs from traditional physical ​therapy by being out-of-network and cash-based, meaning we don't contract with any insurance companies. This approach allows for full one-​on-one sessions with therapists and enables them to manage a smaller, personalized caseload. Although our prices may appear higher initially, ​many at insurance-based clinics face no coverage for physical therapy, high co-pays over $50, and large bills until meeting their deductible. We ​chose this model to ensure a superior experience for clients, enabling therapists to provide better care and achieve quicker, more effective ​outcomes.


  • Below are just some reasons that help to explain our model a little better.


    • Personalized Care
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: These models often allow for longer, more individualized sessions. Therapists can focus on your unique needs ​without the constraints of time limits imposed by insurance reimbursements.
      • Insurance Clinics: Sessions are often shorter due to insurance constraints, which can limit the therapist's ability to address all aspects of ​your care in one visit.


    • Flexibility and Accessibility
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: You have greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, and it’s easier to access care when you need it. ​There’s often a more personal relationship between therapist and patient.
      • Insurance Clinics: Scheduling can be more rigid and may be subject to delays due to high patient volumes or limited appointment slots.


    • Focus on Outcomes
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: These models emphasize patient outcomes and satisfaction rather than the volume of patients seen. ​Therapists are incentivized to focus on effective treatments that work for you.
      • Insurance Clinics: The focus may sometimes shift to maximizing the number of patients seen in a day to meet insurance requirements ​and financial targets, potentially affecting the quality of care.


    • Reduced Administrative Burden
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: There’s minimal to no paperwork related to insurance claims, allowing therapists to dedicate more time to ​patient care rather than administrative tasks.
      • Insurance Clinics: Administrative tasks such as processing claims and dealing with insurance denials can take up a significant portion of ​time, which can detract from direct patient care.


    • Transparency in Costs
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: You know upfront what you’ll be paying and what’s included in your care. There are no surprises related to ​billing or insurance coverage.
      • Insurance Clinics: Costs can be unclear, with potential for unexpected bills if insurance doesn’t cover certain treatments or if there are ​co-pays and deductibles.


    • Avoidance of Insurance Limitations
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: You avoid the limitations set by insurance companies, such as caps on the number of visits or restrictions on ​the types of treatments covered.
      • Insurance Clinics: Insurance companies often impose limits on the number of therapy sessions or types of treatments covered, which can ​affect the overall quality and continuity of care.


    • Enhanced Communication
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: There’s often a stronger emphasis on direct and open communication between patient and therapist. You ​have more time to discuss your progress and any concerns.
      • Insurance Clinics: Time constraints and administrative processes can limit opportunities for in-depth communication.


    • Emphasis on Preventative and Holistic Care
      • Concierge and Cash-Based: Therapists can spend time on preventative care, education, and holistic approaches that might not be ​covered or prioritized in insurance-based settings.
      • Insurance Clinics: The focus may be more reactive, addressing issues as they arise rather than focusing on long-term wellness and ​prevention.



  • Ultimately, while insurance-based clinics offer the advantage of coverage for a broader population, concierge and cash-based physical therapy ​models provide a level of personalized, flexible, and comprehensive care that many find to be highly beneficial.