Depending on the nature, chronicity and complexity of your problem, visits may vary. Traditionally we always start with 4 visits, 2xs per week for 2 weeks, and for some patients, this is all that is needed. Often you will complete your initial training in 4 visits, and then you would be scheduled for a follow up visit in 2 to 4 weeks to reassess and progress as indicated. However, if we are dealing with chronic pain or complex multifaceted problems, then more visits will likely be indicated. Average chronic pelvic pain patients typically complete 8-12 visits, as indicated, spaced out initially 2xs per week, with gradual reduction to 1x per week, once HEP is in place. In rare cases, 3xs per week may be recommended, to help improve consistency and carryover with patients who need more manual therapy or guidance. It is critical that you have consistency early on to help provide repetition for motor learning, to ensure carryover for proper technique, and to monitor your early responses and modify treatment accordingly.

To be eligible to sit for the exam, all applicants must have completed 2000 hours of direct pelvic patient care in the past 8 years, 500 of which must have been completed in the last 2 years. Patient care hours can only be earned by a licensed clinician, and hours spent with patients prior to licensure do not satisfy this requirement.

Due to the sensitive and private nature of pelvic dysfunction disorders, one-on-one, specialized care is mandatory and gold standard. The most discreet, efficient and effective way to approach treatment is to provide one-on-one, 1-hour visits with the actual physical therapist, with no use of ancillary Aide’s or Assistant’s. This provides an environment that is conducive to quality learning, consistency of care, early retention, and often fewer total visits. Unfortunately, it is often not possible or feasible to provide this quality of individual care under certain insurance contracts. However, due to the specialized nature of care at this facility, and the specialized training that was completed to provide this service, many patients are successful in receiving an out-of- network waiver to attend therapy at this location. This often allows them to receive a higher rate of reimbursement for their visits. This process however can be lengthy, and requires that the patient initiate the process with their insurance company. We at WHPT will provide you with the treatment codes and diagnoses codes that are needed, at your request, and we will assist you as able with this process.

Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification. Please click on the links below or visit Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute to learn about the qualifications associated with this credentialing process.

• Is The PRPC Exam Board Certified
• How Does PRPC Differ From The WCS Certification

All clinicians holding a license as a: Physical Therapist (PT), Physician (MD), Registered Nurse (RN), Occupational Therapist (OT), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), or Physician’s Assistant (PA-C) are automatically approved to apply for PRPC. If an individual wishes to sit for the exam who does not hold one of the above licenses, they may request permission to apply to sit for the exam, and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Yes! Often if your flow is light, and you are not bothered by this, it does not preclude your normal therapy. However, even if your flow is heavy, there is a significant amount of treatment that is done externally and will not be limited by your menstrual cycle.

Comfortable clothing that you can stretch in. Socks may be helpful for certain exercises and to help keep your feet warm. Tennis shoes may be helpful, but not critical.

It is always your choice and your right to have your spouse or another individual join you for your appointment, if doing so makes you feel more comfortable, or if they are interested in assisting in your care.

There is an important difference between a certificate and a certification or credential. Certificates are not held to the objective standards required of other types of credentialing. Credentialing is the umbrella term that includes the concepts of accreditation, licensure, registration and professional certification.

A Certificate of Attendance is issued after an individual attends or participates in a particular continuing education course. No knowledge is assessed and the recipient is not required to demonstrate competence according to professional standards.

A Knowledge-Based Certificate recognizes a relatively narrow scope of specialized knowledge used in performing tasks required by the profession. It is issued after the individual passes an assessment instrument. ( CAPP)

Professional Certification is the voluntary process by which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited recognition to an individual after verifying that he or she has met predetermined and standardized criteria. It is the vehicle a profession uses to differentiate among its members. The holder is called a certificant. Herman & Wallace's Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification falls into this category of credential. ( PRPC)

*Adapted from the "NOCA Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts"

Due to COVID-19, physical therapy has been approved to offer telehealth visits. Rules vary from state to state, however physical therapists practicing in the state of California can offer telehealth visits to residents of the state of California. If you would like to connect with Brande via this telehealth option, you can do so virtually. We offer full support via telehealth that’s HIPAA compliant and with secure video or audio options!

Telehealth is a perfect solution for new or returning patients if you:

• Have questions about exercises or stretches to make sure you are doing them correctly or want to advance your program

• You are at a sticking point on your own and feel it would be helpful to ask questions.

• You are concerned about what you can do at home to manage your pelvic pain symptoms and are looking for solid advice and a plan.

• Want to connect about finding resources or how to best coordinate care with other healthcare providers in the near future.

• Feel that you have increased leaking or prolapse symptoms and want guidance on how to improve this. There are so many strategies to implement at home.

• Are concerned about coming into the clinic right now due to your health or your family members health issues.

We can help with all of this and much more, virtually. We have options for you if you are in the state of California.

Frequently asked questions:

How long are the virtual sessions? Up to 55 minutes each session.

What is the cost? The cost is the same as an in-clinic visit, $200 for initial evaluation for up to 55 minute session, and $165 for each follow up visit, for up to 55 minute session, payable at the time of service. We still offer courtesy billing to your insurance company; however, individual insurance companies may have different reimbursment rules re: telehealth. We highly encourage you to inquire with your insurance re: any specific limitations you may have with your individual plan re: telehealth for physical therapy, required referral, and/or specific codes or limitations that may apply to you. We also offer private pay option, as well as wellness visits.

What telehealth equipment do I need? A smartphone or computer with Wi-Fi access with video and audio.

How do I set up a telehealth appointment? Call WHPT at 530-242-1728 to inquire about the scheduling process. If you are a current or returning patient - you likely only need to complete a telehealth consent form. If you are a new patient- we will have you fill out a consent form and new patient intake forms which can be found under the forms link.

Thanks for your patience and understanding during this time. We are doing our best to continue to deliver the best care possible during this state of change. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

P.S. For many of you, this telehealth option may be an even better fit, so we plan to offer it indefinitely to those who may benefit from it. Feel free to reach out to us to ask if this would be appropriate for you.

We look forward to connecting with you virtually.

Warm regards,
Brande Moffatt, PT, MPT, PRPC
she/her/hers

We highly encourage you to attend your first visit alone, as distractions may make it difficult to focus and may ultimately prolong the number of visits you need. However, new Mom’s often cannot leave their babies, and we are sensitive to that, and we will work with you as needed. Small children cannot be left unattended in the waiting room.

No. Your treatment time is always one-on-one with Brande.

Everyone must complete the General Intake Forms. If you are unable to appropriately answer the questions re: bowel and bladder, then you should complete the bowel and bladder log to allow you to monitor your habits so you can answer the questions appropriately. If you have a recent onset pain problem, then the general intake forms will cover the necessary information. However, if you have a chronic or complicated pain or pelvic dysfunction, then you are highly encouraged to complete the Chronic Pelvic Pain Form. If you are a pediatric patient, then you must complete the General Intake as well as the Pediatric Forms. If you are a male patient, we have specific forms we may mail to you, but you should could complete the General Intake Forms as applicable.

Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioners possess the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately diagnose and treat pelvic dysfunctions for men and women throughout the life cycle. Pelvic dysfunctions include colorectal, urogynecological, neuromusculoskeletal, gynecological, obstetrical, and sexual medicine. In addition to completion of direct pelvic patient care, applicants must pass an exam that covers the following domains as they relate to pelvic rehabilitation: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Medical Interventions & Tests, Tests & Measures, Interventions, and Professional & Legal Requirements. (cited from H&W Pelvic Rehabilitation)

A 48 hour cancellation policy is required; however, if you need to cancel an appointment, and we are able to fill that appointment accordingly, then you will not be held accountable for the $50 cancellation fee. It is our goal to due our best to assist you in these situations.

Patient’s are scheduled for a 1 hour visits. It is important that you are on time to maximize your therapy time.