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FAQs & Pricing

We're a direct-access, out-of-network practice — which means our model is a little different from the PT clinic down the road. Here's everything you need to know before your first appointment, from how sessions work to what things cost and how to get reimbursed.

Getting Started

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physical therapist?

No. North Carolina is a direct access state, which means you have the legal right to see a physical therapist without a physician's referral or prescription. That said, if you are currently working with a physician, orthopedic surgeon, OB-GYN, or other provider and would like us to coordinate your care with them, we're happy to do that. Collaboration with your healthcare team is always available at your request.

How do I schedule my first appointment?

To schedule an appointment, which is available same-day or next-day, you have a few options:​

​​*If you're a gymnast from Sonshine Gymnastics, please reach out directly by phone or email to schedule.

Who is a good fit for Carolina Elite Physical Therapy?

We work with a wide range of patients. From competitive athletes returning from injury to adults managing chronic pain, from pregnant women preparing for labor to older adults working on balance and fall prevention, we're here for you. Our three specialty areas are orthopedic and sports PT, pelvic floor physical therapy, and vestibular and balance rehabilitation. We also have deep expertise in gymnastics specific care.

What should I bring or wear to my first appointment?

Wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated: shorts for knee or hip issues, a tank top or sports bra for shoulder or neck treatment, and so on. If you have any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI reports, surgical notes), bring those along. Your ID and payment method are all you need to get started.

Do you accept health insurance?

We are an out-of-network (OON) provider. We do not have contracts with insurance companies and do not bill insurance directly. Payment is due at the time of service.

We made this choice intentionally. Insurance companies frequently dictate how many sessions you're allowed, what treatments are covered, and how long a session can last, regardless of what your body actually needs. By operating outside that system, we can give you a full 60-minute session with your Doctor of PT every time, use whatever evidence-based treatments are most appropriate for your condition, and focus entirely on getting you better rather than satisfying billing requirements.

Can I get reimbursed by my insurance for out-of-network PT?

Possibly. And it's worth checking. Many insurance plans include out-of-network benefits that allow you to be partially reimbursed for care from providers outside your network. We recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card before your first visit and asking: "Do I have out-of-network physical therapy benefits, and what is my deductible and reimbursement percentage?"  We will happily provide you a superbill (detailed, itemized receipt) for you to submit to your insurance company!

Are there extra charges for dry needling, cupping, or other techniques?

No. Every session is all-inclusive. If dry needling, cupping, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM/scraping), joint mobilization, or kinesiotaping is part of your treatment plan, it is included in your session fee. No add-ons, no itemized surprises. You'll know your rate before your first appointment and that's what you'll pay.

What type of payment do you accept? 

We accept the following forms of payment:

  • Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)

  • HSA cards (Health Savings Account) & FSA cards (Flexible Spending Account)

  • Venmo

Payment is due at the time of service. Physical therapy is generally an eligible expense under HSA and FSA plans, making those pre-tax dollars an effective way to offset your out-of-pocket costs.

Is physical therapy worth it if I pay out of pocket?

For many patients, the answer is yes, and the comparison point matters. At a typical in-network PT clinic, you may receive a 20–30 minute session shared with a PT aide, with the actual physical therapist in the room for only part of it. At Carolina Elite, you receive a full 60 minutes of 1-on-1 care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy every single visit.

When you factor in the difference in session length, the quality of individualized treatment, the speed of recovery, and the ability to potentially avoid more expensive interventions like surgery or specialist referrals, many patients find that direct-pay PT at this level of quality is competitive with (or better than) what their in-network coverage would actually deliver.

Pricing & Insurance

Sessions & Treatment

What happens at my first physical therapy appointment?

Your first appointment is a comprehensive 60-minute evaluation. Here is what that looks like:

  • We review your history, symptoms, previous treatments, and goals

  • Your PT performs a thorough movement and strength assessment

  • We identify the root cause of your pain or dysfunction

  • We build your personalized plan of care and walk you through it

  • Treatment begins in that same session

You will leave your first appointment with a clear understanding of what is going on in your body, a plan to address it, and hands-on treatment already underway.

How many sessions will I need?

Honestly, it depends on your condition, how long you've had it, your overall health, and how consistently you can engage with your home program between sessions. We can give you a better estimate after your evaluation.

As a general reference point: acute injuries may resolve in 4–8 sessions, while post-surgical rehab or chronic conditions often take longer. What we can promise is that we'll be transparent with you throughout. We won't keep you coming in for sessions you don't need, and we'll tell you honestly if we think another provider or intervention is what your situation requires.

Will I have homework or exercises to do between sessions?

Yes, a home exercise program is a core part of your plan. What you do between sessions matters. Your PT will give you a targeted set of exercises appropriate to your current stage of recovery, teach you how to perform them correctly, and adjust them as you progress. We won't hand you a generic printed sheet — your program will be specific to your body, your goals, and where you are in your plan.

Can I contact my PT between appointments if I have any questions?

Yes. At Carolina Elite, you have direct access to your physical therapist between sessions. If you have a question about your exercises, something changes with your symptoms, or you just need a quick check-in, you can text, call, or email directly. No front desk relay, no waiting for a callback from someone who wasn't in your session.

What is pelvic floor physical therapy, and do I need it?

Pelvic floor PT is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue of the pelvis. These are structures that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum and play a central role in core stability, continence, and sexual function. You may benefit from pelvic floor PT if you experience any of the following:

  • Leaking urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise (stress urinary incontinence)

  • A sudden, urgent need to urinate that's hard to control (urgency incontinence)

  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

  • Pelvic pressure or a feeling of heaviness (possible prolapse)

  • Core weakness, especially postpartum

  • Diastasis recti (abdominal separation after pregnancy)

  • Difficulty returning to exercise, running, or lifting after having a baby

At Carolina Elite, two of our DPTs (Dr. Sara Roberts and Dr. Kate Krier) are certified in pelvic floor PT through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. All sessions are completely private and 1-on-1.

Can physical therapy help with dizziness and vertigo?

Yes, and often very effectively. Many types of dizziness and vertigo are caused by dysfunction in the vestibular system (the inner ear and its connections to the brain), and vestibular physical therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments available for conditions like BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuritis, post-concussion dizziness, and general balance disorders.

Dr. Sara Roberts is certified in vestibular rehabilitation. Your evaluation will assess your eye movements, head movements, and balance responses to identify the specific cause of your symptoms. Treatment is then tailored to that cause. Many patients see significant improvement within just a few sessions.

Do you work with athletes and help with return to sport?

Yes. Return-to-sport rehab is a core part of what we do. Our team includes Dr. Lindsay Hren, a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) who completed UNC's Orthopedic PT Residency and holds a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential, making her uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between rehab and performance. We work with athletes of all ages and levels: youth recreational players, high school and collegiate competitors, adult recreational athletes, and competitive masters athletes. Our approach focuses not just on getting you back to your sport, but on returning you stronger and more resilient than before your injury.

Do you treat older adults or people who are not athletes?

​Absolutely.  The majority of our patients are everyday adults dealing with pain, stiffness, post-surgical recovery, or conditions like vertigo and pelvic floor dysfunction that have nothing to do with sport. If your goal is to walk without pain, get through a workday comfortably, travel without limitations, or simply feel like yourself again, that is exactly what we are here for.

Services & Specialties

Locations & Logistics

Where is your clinic located?

Our soon-to-be open clinic is located in the Oakview Commons development in Holly Springs, NC. The exact address is: 101 Oakview Commons Dr, Suite 104, Holly Springs, NC 27540. Parking is free and convenient. We're easily accessible from Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Cary, and surrounding communities in Wake County.

Do you offer mobile physical therapy? Can you come to me?

Yes. Mobile physical therapy is a core part of what we offer. We bring our equipment and expertise to your home, workplace, gym, or another location of your choosing. Mobile PT is especially popular with:
 


Mobile sessions are the same 60-minute, 1-on-1 format as in-clinic care. Contact us to discuss scheduling and service area availability.

What are your hours and how quickly can I get an appointment?

We offer flexible scheduling including early morning, daytime, and evening appointments to fit around work and family schedules. Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available. We don't have the long waitlists that many in-network PT clinics do. Contact us directly or book online to see current availability.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer that time to another patient who may be waiting. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. If something urgent comes up, please reach out as soon as possible. We're flexible when life happens and communication is key.

Still have questions we didn't answer?
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