The practical stuff —
upfront, no surprises.
Everything you need to know before your first visit: what it'll cost, what insurance we take, what to wear, and what happens when you walk through our door.
What to expect on day one.
01 · Tell Us Your Story
Your first visit starts with a long conversation — when it began, what's changed, what you need to get back to. You will not be interrupted after 30 seconds.
02 · Thorough Evaluation
A head-to-toe orthopedic and (if appropriate) vestibular evaluation. We find the source — which often isn't where the pain lives.
03 · A Clear Plan
You'll leave with a concrete plan — number of visits, what each will focus on, and homework you can actually remember.
04 · Start Feeling Better
Most patients feel meaningful relief after their first session and significant pain reduction in 6 visits or less.
Coverage, simplified.
We are in-network with the major insurers that cover most Iowans. You do not need a physician referral to begin care in Iowa — direct access is the law of the land, and we'll handle the paperwork on your behalf.
We are in-network with:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Medicare
- Aetna
- United Healthcare
- Most major PPO plans
Out-of-network benefits are often available as well. Call our front desk — we'll verify your benefits and give you a realistic estimate before your first visit.
Straightforward rates, no games.
For patients without insurance — or those who'd rather skip the insurance maze entirely — we offer transparent cash-pay pricing. No surprise EOBs, no "covered at 60%," no chasing a deductible.
Evaluations start at $150, follow-ups at $110.
Answers before you ask.
Do I need a physician referral to be seen?
No. Iowa is a direct-access state, which means you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a physician's prescription. If your insurance requires one for reimbursement, we'll let you know during your benefits verification — and we'll often help coordinate getting one.
How quickly can I get in?
We keep priority-scheduling slots open for new patients. In most cases we can see you within 24–48 hours of your call. Call (515) 520-8037 or fill out our request form.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, athletic-style clothing you can move in. We'll often need to see the area we're treating, so shorts are helpful for knee/hip work, and a tank or athletic top is helpful for shoulder/neck work. We have changing rooms if you're coming from the office.
How long is a typical visit?
Initial evaluations are 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are 45–60 minutes, one-on-one with your therapist. You will not be handed off to a tech or asked to exercise alone in the corner.
How many visits will I need?
Most patients see significant pain reduction in six visits or less. Complex cases (post-surgical, chronic pain, vestibular) may take longer. Whatever the plan looks like, we'll lay it out during your evaluation — you'll never be strung along.
Do you treat concussions and vertigo?
Yes — Dr. Annette Smith specializes in vestibular therapy and post-concussion care. We use infrared video-frenzel goggles to diagnose vestibular dysfunction and pair that with proven rehab protocols for BPPV, vestibular hypofunction, and persistent concussion symptoms.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients describe it as a light pinch followed by a muscle twitch and a deep ache — briefly uncomfortable but not painful. Chris has performed more than 1,000 sessions, and we'll always walk you through exactly what to expect beforehand.
Will I get a home exercise program?
Yes — but only what's useful. You'll leave with a short, memorable set of exercises designed to reinforce the work we did in clinic, not a 20-page packet you'll never look at.
Still have questions? Call us.
Five minutes on the phone is usually all it takes to know if we're the right clinic for you.