Frequently Asked Questions
Online Scheduling
How do I self-schedule online?
The easiest way to self-schedule online is to click on any of the many “book now”-type buttons or links on the site and make your selections from the slide-out scheduling tool. It’s fast and easy and no login is required.
We have created a page with a video and step-by-step instructions if you like some more help.
If you’re uncomfortable with online scheduling systems you can schedule by phone, simply call us at (206) 729-6211 and we’d be happy to schedule you the old-fashioned way!
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Within every email you receive from us related to your appointment you will find a link to your client portal page where you can cancel or reschedule your appointments.
If you’re not finding the online page, simply call us at (206) 729-6211 and we’d be happy to help you with your cancellation or reschedule.
You should receive a confirmation of you cancellation by email.
How do I put myself on the wait list?
Within our online scheduling system you will see a waitlist option button on the screen where you are attempting to find a date and time. Follow the instructions.
If you’d prefer to call to be added to the waitlist, simply call us at (206) 729-6211 and we’d be happy to help you.
How do I book recurring appointments?
If you have 3 or less, then please book each session individually.
For more than 3, you can either do it on your own or simply call us at (206) 729-6211 and we’d be happy to set them up for you.
How do I book side-by-side or back-to-back appointments for myself and a friend?
You can use our convenient online booking system to first find two appointments that work for you and book them separately.
However, you are also welcome to simply call us at (206) 729-6211 and we’d be happy to set them up for you.
How do I fill out my intake form if I booked the appointment over the phone?
Whether you book online or by phone, a link to the intake form will be included in your appointment confirmation and reminder emails.
If you do not receive the link, please contact the office to have one sent.
NOTE: An intake form is only needed once per client. If we already have one on file, a link won’t be included in the emails you receive.
Do I need to fill out the intake form more than once?
Forms of Payment and Insurance Coverage
What methods of payment are accepted?
You may pay in cash, check, MasterCard, Discover and Visa.
Vitality Cards (prepaid cards) are available for purchase and can save you 5%, 10%, or 15% off all products.
If checks are denied at the bank due to insufficient funds then there is a $30 fee for reprocessing the payment. The credit card on file will be used to cover the amount on the check and the $30 fee.
What About Tipping?
Tipping for excellent service is appreciated but not expected.
100% of all tips go directly to providers.
Tipping is NOT accepted for Naturopathic Consultations.
Customary tipping rates are 10-20%.
Envelopes are available by request for cash tips.
Helping you feel your best is our #1 goal!
Can I use my flexible spending account to pay for services?
Most likely. Flexible spending accounts are designed for individuals to self-select their health care and use pretax dollars that have been set aside as part of employee benefits. All payments are due at time of service at the Tummy Temple.
If you have a credit card tied to your flexible spending account we encourage you to use it for payment. If you need to self-submit to your flexible spending account for reimbursement please tell your therapist at time of service and they will provide you with the necessary supporting documentation at check-out.
Can I use my insurance to pay for services?
It depends on your insurance plan. The best success we have seen is with insurance plans that include a yearly stipend for alternative health care to be used at the subscriber’s discretion. These stipends are intended to cover health related therapies such as colon hydrotherapy, nutrition counseling, and massage.
Some folks are provided by their company with something called a “Flex Spending” account. Though not insurance, these accounts let you put aside pre-tax dollars from your income to spend as you like towards your health. This is a good use for those dollars and equates to almost a 20% discount! The Flex Spending account must be used by the end of the year or you lose the money. Be sure to check with your employer to see if you have access to a Flex Spending account.
Additionally we have seen success in insurance covering colon hydrotherapy when it is specifically prescribed as “medically necessary” by a referring ND or MD.
Please be aware, however, that the Tummy Temple does not submit insurance claims to insurance companies. We leave that to you, the subscriber. Upon request, we will provide you with receipts, procedure codes and chart notes for you to use in the submission process.
ASSUME you will be reimbursed and ask “How do I get reimbursed for receiving this procedure?”. From experience we have found that getting a diagnosis code from a doctor as part of a referral or prescription for this service puts you in the best place possible. If you need a referral to a colonic-friendly doctor please let us know.
How do I increase my chances of reimbursement when self-submitting to insurance companies?
When self-submitting to insurance companies for reimbursement we suggest the following approach:
GET CONFIRMATION:
- Contact your insurance company as ask them HOW do I (not CAN I) get reimbursed for procedure code [CPT]____? Use the CPT code vs. a description of the service as many call center operators will not know the service or how to look up the CPT code.
- Once you get the affirmative that it will be covered ask for it in writing (email is fine). Often times you will not get it in writing. Ask for the operators name, location and reference number for the call. Make sure to repeat back your understanding of what you need to do to get reimbursement.
- If you did not get an affirmative response, it is okay to hang up and call back. You will get another operator and they may answer differently AND/OR you may feel that a different approach will work better. Try it out. There are many examples where it has taken up to 4 calls before a person will get the affirmative response. And, to be fair, your plan may simply not cover the procedure regardless.
IMPROVE CHANCES:
- One of the biggest reasons for reimbursement denial (apart from it not being a part of the insurance plan) is that it is not clear why the service was done. For example, the insurance company may believe that the service was simply for relaxation or pleasure.
- If possible, get a diagnosis code from a doctor that lists the CPT code on the same piece of paper as a prescribed or recommended therapy to address the diagnosis. In this way the insurance company can totally relax into knowing that a medically licensed practitioner diagnosed you and that the service presented for reimbursement is relevant.
The Tummy Temple is not a preferred provider for any insurance company, does not engage with insurance companies or submit to insurance companies on behalf of customers. Services received at the Tummy Temple would be considered out of network. Some insurance plans have reimbursed 100% and others 0%. There is no guarantee of reimbursement AND if you follow the advice above you will position yourself for the highest level of reimbursement if it is possible.