Lacking women’s health coverage

I am a specialty healthcare provider in the process of opening a specialty PT clinic in Spokane. I have done extensive training, post doctorate, in pelvic floor, an I am a Board Certified Women’s Health (Pelvic Floor) Physical Therapist.

I am one of 422 nationally; one of 22 in Washington; and the only provider within 100-mile radius of Spokane with this certification.

Urine leaking, pregnancy pain, endometriosis, ovarian/uterine cancer, prostate cancer, painful bladder syndrome, constipation, and tailbone pain are just a few conditions specific to pelvic floor PT.

Recently I was denied the ability to bill as a provider for three major health insurance companies: Kaiser, Premera and Aetna. Ultimately my clients suffer the consequences because I cannot bill the aforementioned insurance providers for my services. Thus, clients covered through these providers have to pay out-of-pocket.

Premera stated, “At this time women’s health physical therapy is not a specialty that we recognize.” Kaiser state they have one provider for the area, and that is all they currently needed. Meanwhile, Aetna simply state that they have enough providers in the area.

I urge you to check with your health insurance provider and demand they recognize the specialty of women’s health/pelvic floor physical therapy. Even if this is not a service you have required, it is a service that is becoming more prevalent. Yet, pelvic floor PT is underserved by experienced, trained providers. Not just any physical therapist can provide this specialized service competently.

You, a family member, a friend or a co-worker may require pelvic floor physical therapy now or in the future. Please advocate for your right to receive the best possible care and demand that your insurance provider covers this specialty.

Julia Salazar, PT, DPT, WCS

Spokane