Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance? What are your payment policies?

Yes, we take insurance for our physical therapy services. Pinnacle Kidz is an out-of-network provider with all major PPO plans. We collect the full visit payment at the time of service and submit your insurance claims to your insurance provider on your behalf.  Any reimbursement owed to you by your insurance company will be sent to you directly. We have agreements with many HMO plans, and are able to provide in-network services with prior authorization. Contact our office with questions regarding your specific insurance plan or review our rates and payment policies here.

Depending on your child's age and diagnosis, you may qualify to apply for a gap exception authorization, which would allow you to use your in-network insurance benefits to receive care from us as an out-of-network provider. ​This is an arrangement between you and your insurance provider, but if you are interested in pursing this, please contact us for the specific information you will need to complete your request. 

Do I need a physician's referral to start physical therapy?

No, a physician's referral is not necessary to begin physical therapy in most cases, although some insurance plans require a physician's referral in order for physical therapy services to be authorized and covered. We recommend that you verify your insurance company's specific requirements. If you have an HMO insurance plan, please contact us for more information on how to initiate an accurate referral request from your child's primary care physician. HMO authorizations have many specific requirements and including the correct codes on the initial referral and authorization will prevent denials and delays with insurance processing. Do not assume that your physician's office will complete your authorization correctly. We can help ensure an accurate and efficient authorization process by providing you with the correct coding. Please call us for this information before requesting the authorization from your child's physician. 

Is my baby too young to start physical therapy?

It is never too early to get started and have your child evaluated for potential physical therapy needs. Early intervention is important for all conditions that require physical therapy, but with children there is a window of opportunity in the first 3 years of life when physical therapy treatment can have a profound effect. Starting treatment early in development can minimize and prevent developmental delays and eliminate the need for physical therapy in the future.  Contact us to determine if your child is appropriate for physical therapy.

Do you work with older children or teenagers?

Yes! We work with children of all ages, including teenagers. Our therapists are experienced in working with older children, including student athletes and those with orthopedic injuries as well as developmental diagnoses. 

How long should I plan for my child's appointment?

Physical therapy evaluations and follow-up sessions are scheduled for about 45 minutes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first appointment to complete all necessary registration paperwork and to give your child a few minutes to get settled and adjust to our environment. 

How should I prepare for the first visit?

New patient intake forms will be sent to you electronically after scheduling your first visit.  Completing these forms in advance helps to expedite the registration process and allows us more time to focus on your child. Please complete these forms entirely and in as much detail as possible at least one day prior to your initial visit, and upload the front AND BACK of your insurance card if you plan for us to bill your insurance. The back of your insurance card provides us with important information that is required to accurately submit your insurance claims. Without this, your insurance reimbursement could be delayed or denied. 

Where are you located?  Where do I park?

Our office is located at 1640 Valencia Street, Suite #1C , where the Bernal Heights, Mission, and Noe Valley neighborhoods meet. If you are driving, please allow extra time to park as we do not have a designated lot for our use. Both metered and free 2-hour street parking can be found nearby and garage parking is also available 1 block away at the St. Lukes CPMC campus (at the corner of San Jose Ave. and Duncan). We are also easily accessible via several Muni bus lines. Click here for a map and directions to our facility, and note that our suite entrance is ON Valencia Street. There is no access to our office through the building's main lobby at the corner of Duncan and Valencia. Please do not plan to park in the nearby Burger King parking lot unless someone remains in the car. They have been known to tow. If you are running late due to parking, please call our front desk. In some cases, you may be able to drop your child off with a staff member while you park your car so that your child's session can start on time. 

Do you offer home visits?

We have a very limited capacity to provide home visits at this time. Please call our office or submit an appointment request here and indicate that that you are inquiring about home visits. Please include your general home location in your inquiry and the age of your child. A member of our staff will get back to you regarding available appointment options and pricing. As an alternative, we also offer telehealth appointments.

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