Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Visit

We want your experience at Ohana Sports Medicine to be seamless and stress-free. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, please feel free to call us at our Kalaheo, Kapaa, or Lihue clinics.

Appointments & Logistics

What can I expect at my first visit? Upon scheduling your Initial Evaluation, the Front Office Manager will email you your new patient intake forms to be completed online. If you are unable to complete the online intake forms, please advise the Front Office Manager, and she’ll be happy to mail you paper copies. Alternatively, you may arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete the intake forms in person.

You will meet one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist for a comprehensive 60-minute evaluation. We will identify the source of your pain, explain the findings, and create an individualized plan of care with a Home Exercise Program (HEP).

What should I bring with me?

  • Photo ID and Health Insurance Card(s).

  • Your physician’s referral (if applicable).

  • Any relevant medical records, list of medications, X-rays, or MRI/CT scan reports.

What should I wear? Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows your therapist to easily examine the area being treated. We have private changing facilities and gowns available for your convenience.

How long are the sessions? The initial evaluation is approximately 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments typically range from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your specific condition and treatment plan.

What if I need to cancel my appointment? We understand that life happens and you may need to change or cancel your appointment. We only request that you give us as much notice as possible. Please cancel more than 24 hours at OSM Kalaheo/Kapaa and 48 hours at Wahine Wellness to avoid a fee.

Insurance & Referrals

Do I need a physician’s referral to start physical therapy? Under Hawaii state law, you do not need a referral to see a physical therapist. However, most insurance carriers (including Medicare and Medicaid) require a signed physician’s referral to cover the cost of treatment. If you don't have a doctor, we can recommend one based on your specific needs.

Will my insurance cover the cost? In most cases, yes. We accept major medical plans including HMSA (Blue Shield), Tricare, Tricare For Life, Kaiser, and Medicare. We will verify your coverage and handle any necessary prior approvals before your first visit. Deductibles and co-pays are collected at the time of service.

Can I still be treated if I don't have insurance? Absolutely. We offer a discounted cash rate for patients who do not wish to use insurance. Please contact us to discuss our fee schedule.

Can I come to Ohana Sports Medicine if my doctor referred me elsewhere? Yes. You generally have the right to choose your physical therapy provider. We will ensure your physician receives your treatment plan and regular status reports to maintain seamless communication throughout your recovery.

Your Recovery

How often will I need to attend therapy? Most patients attend sessions 1 to 3 times per week, for 4 to 6 weeks but your therapist will determine the exact frequency after your evaluation. Your commitment to your Home Exercise Program (HEP) will directly impact the speed of your recovery.