Your Insurance May Help Cover Your Visits with Coach Amy
Good news!
Many plans include out-of-network benefits, which means you may be able to get part of your visits reimbursed.
How to Submit for Reimbursement
Submitting for reimbursement on your own may sound like a hassle, but it's simpler than most people expect. We've broken it down into five easy steps, and we're here to help every step of the way.How to Submit for Reimbursement
Every insurance plan is different, so coverage and reimbursement amounts vary from person to person. These five steps will help you find out what your plan offers and submit your claim with confidence. Please note that Medicare patients cannot submit for reimbursement.
Step 1: Check your benefits
Call your insurance or log into your member portal. Ask:
Do I have out-of-network PT benefits?
What's my out-of-network deductible?
What percentage is reimbursed?
Is there a filing deadline?
Step 2: Tell us before your visit
Let Coach Amy or Allison know you plan to submit for reimbursement before your appointment. Allison will email you a superbill. Please note we can't create superbills for past visits.
Step 3: Fill out your claim form
Find it on your insurance portal or through customer service. Complete all patient and policy details.
Step 4: Submit your claim
Upload your claim form and superbill to your insurance portal, or mail them to the address on the form.
Step 5: Track your reimbursement
Save your confirmation number and watch for your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). It shows what was reimbursed or applied to your deductible.
A Helpful Tip
Many patients also use HSA or FSA funds to pay for their visits.
Ready to Schedule?
Every appointment at CoachAmyPT is one-on-one with Coach Amy, beginning with an accurate diagnosis and a custom treatment plan that targets the source of your challenge, not just your symptoms. If you've seen Coach Amy before, she already knows your history and your goals, and consistent visits are the best way to protect the progress you've made.
Coach Amy is ready to help you keep moving toward your goals and get back to the activities you love.
Questions about submitting for reimbursement?
Allison is happy to walk you through it.
Elevating Patient Care: Our Transition to a Concierge Practice
“I am grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me with their health and wellness over the past ten years. Transitioning from insurance billing to a fully concierge model allows me to continue providing the high-quality, personalized physical therapy care that my patients have come to expect from CoachAmyPT.”
—Coach Amy
A change designed to protect your care
In recent years, the administrative demands of the traditional insurance system have increasingly limited the time therapists can spend directly with patients. To protect the depth and quality of care you value, CoachAmyPT has transitioned to a fully concierge practice.
What this means for patients
As of October 1, 2026, CoachAmyPT no longer bills insurance directly. This applies to all insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield. Patients may continue receiving care with Coach Amy through a self-pay concierge model.
Many insurance plans include out-of-network benefits, so you may still be able to get reimbursed for part of your visits.
Self-pay physical therapy offers several benefits, as well as cost-effective ways to make this option work for you.
Benefits of self-pay physical therapy
Your Care Is Fully Personalized
Your treatment plan, visit frequency, and session duration are determined collaboratively by you and Coach Amy, not by insurance restrictions.
More Efficient Care May Reduce Your Overall Cost
With self-pay, Coach Amy can address multiple concerns, such as neck and foot pain, during the same session. Insurance coverage often requires separate visits and evaluations for unrelated areas of the body.
Clear, Upfront Pricing
As a self-pay patient, you will know the cost of your evaluation and treatment in advance, without waiting for an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
More Treatment Options Are Included
Dry needling is included in the cost of self-pay physical therapy.
Ways to Make Self-Pay More Affordable
Submit Claims to Your Insurance
We can provide detailed receipts, often called superbills, that you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Let Coach Amy or Allison know before your appointment if you plan to submit, as we can't create superbills for past visits. Every plan is different, so coverage and reimbursement amounts vary. Please note that Medicare patients cannot submit for reimbursement.
Read our step-by-step guide to submitting for reimbursement.
Use Your HSA or FSA
We accept HSA and FSA cards, as well as cash and major credit cards.
Keep Records for Tax Purposes
Depending on your individual tax situation, self-pay medical expenses may be eligible for tax deductions. CoachAmyPT can provide receipts for your records. Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still See Coach Amy if I Have Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Yes. You can continue care with Coach Amy as a self-pay patient. Please contact us to discuss your transition plan.
Will CoachAmyPT Accept Any Insurance Directly After October 1?
No. As of October 1, 2026, CoachAmyPT does not bill any insurance plans directly.
How Do I Schedule Future Appointments?
You can schedule online. Select Self-Pay Physical Therapy and then choose the appropriate service from the drop-down menu. If you are not sure whether you need an evaluation or a follow-up, please contact us.
What Will Visits Cost?
All our self-pay rates are listed on the website in the scheduling drop-down menu.
Can Medicare Patients See Coach Amy?
Yes, for wellness and prevention using self-pay. Medicare patients cannot submit for reimbursement.
More Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Have questions about the transition to self-pay physical therapy or individual options? Please contact us. We care about our patients and are happy to walk you through your individual situation and needs.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy
When you attend physical therapy, you need to move freely without restrictions, and your therapist needs to be able to see and access areas of your body for treatment. Wearing suitable clothes will allow Coach Amy to apply the type of treatment method for your unique needs and make the most out of your visit.
Wearing accessible clothing to your physical therapy appointment is essential.
When you are injured and hurting, what you wear to physical therapy may not be at the top of your mind, but what you wear to physical therapy does make a difference.
Streamlining your appointment…
Why does what you wear to physical therapy matter?
When you attend physical therapy, you need to move freely without restrictions, and your therapist needs to be able to see and access areas of your body for treatment. Wearing suitable clothes will allow Coach Amy to apply the type of treatment method for your unique needs and make the most out of your visit.
Full access.
Oftentimes, an injury stems from or includes a joint or area above or below the location of your pain, so it is important to wear clothing that allows Coach Amy to access all areas around your injury. For example, wrist or hand pain may stem from your neck.
What to wear for upper body injuries: neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back.
Loose fitting shirt
Tie for long hair
Sports bra
What to wear for lower body injuries: low back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
Shorts with elastic band
Shoes appropriate for movement and exercise and, if applicable, specific to your sport
What to avoid:
Leggings
Jewlery especially necklaces
Tight fitting clothes
Sandals, flip flops
Wearing or bringing the proper clothing and shoes will help you feel more comfortable, maximize the efficacy of your session with Coach Amy, and allow you to focus on returning to the activities you love.
What are YOUR goals for 2025?
Happy New Year!
Move past injury. Move toward success. Move without age limits. Move well.
Treatment customized to your body. Your goals. Your future.
As we transition to a new calendar, I again feel overwhelmed with gratitude for you, my patients - for your ongoing support and loyalty to CoachAmyPT and for trusting me with your wellness.
The new year is traditionally a time to reflect on last year's goals and create new ones. While I recommend evaluating and adjusting your goals throughout the year, the turnover to the next 365 days is a great time to do so, so let's give it a go!
Reflecting on 2024
Personal reflections.
My wellness goals for 2024 were a success! I gradually and progressively returned to a consistent running and strengthening routine as I fully recovered from knee surgery and learned to balance my autoimmune disease. I found the “Goldilocks” balance by listening to my body’s response and adjusting as needed. In other words, practicing what I preach. And I'm still working on it because, as you’ve heard me say many times, “It is a process!”
Clinic reflections.
And what about the clinic? CoachAmyPT successfully integrated blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) into the treatment toolbox, improving outcomes for patients recovering from surgery and injury.
This year, I earned a certification in primary care physical therapy. This allows me to screen for medical issues, educate patients on their options, and refer them to specialists as needed. This new approach enhances patients' wellness and improves preventative strategies.
Not all goals were met this year. We aimed to launch a refreshed, user-friendly website by the end of 2024. While you may have noticed changes to the current site, it's just an interim version, not the final product. Like physical therapy, timelines can be unpredictable, and setbacks can occur. Things may look chaotic before they improve, but stay tuned—our new website is coming!
Oh, and…The Coach Amy and Coach Liz Show podcast released 51 episodes in 2024. While it is a podcast geared towards endurance athletes, many non-athletes find the content relevant. Have a listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Your reflections.
How did you do this year? Did you meet your goals for 2024? What would you change? Did CoachAmyPT help you? Share your testimonial with me - I’d love to hear it.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
Personal wellness goals.
My wellness goals for 2025 are to stay active, especially in my beloved sport of running, and stay injury-free. Wellness isn’t just about the physical, but also the mental. This year, I aim to exercise the right side of my brain with some creative pursuits.
Clinic goals.
And what about the clinic goals for 2025? Upon certification in level 2 blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT), CoachAmyPT will add BFRT for performance enhancement to the offerings. And that refreshed and easier-to-navigate website will be released soon!
Additionally, I am taking on a teaching role as an adjunct professor at Rockhurst University's doctoral physical therapy program and speaking at Garmin headquarters on Injury Prevention in Running.
CoachAmyPT can help you!
What do you want to achieve in 2025? CoachAmyPT can help you with treatments that are customized to your body. Your goals. Your future.
I look forward to helping you move well in 2025 and beyond, whether for treating an acute or chronic injury, enhancing your recovery and performance, or helping you defy age-related musculoskeletal challenges.
Benefits of Self-Pay Physical Therapy
You have a choice when it comes to managing your physical therapy.
Are you wondering if you can see Coach Amy for physical therapy even though she doesn’t accept your insurance? Do you feel limited by your coverage? Regardless of your insurance, you can opt into self-pay physical therapy with Coach Amy. There are several benefits to doing so!
With self-pay physical therapy…
Customization of your care is not limited.
Treatments, frequency, and duration are determined as a team by you and Coach Amy without limitations from insurance.
Treatment is more efficient and may cost less overall.
With self-pay, you can choose to have Coach Amy treat multiple problem areas, like your neck and foot, in one session; insurance does not allow this.
Insurance requires a separate evaluation for unrelated areas, like the neck versus the knee.
Some treatment techniques not covered by insurance are included in self-pay physical therapy. For instance, dry needling is not covered but is provided at no additional cost with self-pay physical therapy.
Costs are upfront and tax-deductible.
As a self-pay patient, you will know the fees for evaluation and treatment in advance, eliminating the wait for Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).
We accept payments through FSA and HSA cards, cash, checks, and major credit cards. You can submit receipts for self-pay services from Coach Amy for tax purposes.
Some non-covered treatment techniques are included with self-pay physical therapy.
For example, treatments like dry needling not covered by insurance are built into the cost of self-pay physical therapy.
Do you still have questions?
Contact Allison if you have questions about the cost differences between insurance and self-pay physical therapy.
Why you should listen to Coach Amy’s Podcast
CoachAmyPT patients find a wealth of information from the Coach Amy and Coach Liz Show.
While we created the show with endurance athletes in mind, many episodes benefit anyone living an active lifestyle, even if they aren't an endurance athlete!
It’s not just for runners!
Take it from David, who faithfully listens to every episode. David is not a triathlete or a runner. His favorite episode is about improving mental strength. While it applies to endurance racing, the information translates to all hard things that require mental strength, including overcoming injury, surgery, and pain.
A patient of CoachAmyPT with an autoimmune disease and daily pain found the strength training and the three episodes about protein applicable to the management of her disease.
I regularly refer my patients with tendon injuries due to overuse at work, hobby, or sport to the episodes about stretching, foam rolling, massage guns, and ice vs. heat.
How to listen and support the show.
Visit the podcast landing page and scroll through the list of titles; even if it includes “endurance athlete” in the title if the subject piques your interest, chances are you will find it helpful. Leave us a comment, and let us know what you think. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Access and manage appointments with a CoachAmyPT account.
Have you ever booked an appointment online or with the app, but when you go back to look for it, poof! You can no longer see it? Have you ever wondered why you are prompted to sign the same form twice or enter your insurance information again? We know why and are here to help!
Avoid scheduling pitfalls.
To avoid scheduling pitfalls, you must create an account and log in when you book an appointment. This will allow you to see, cancel, or reschedule appointments and avoid redundant paperwork.
Computers are tricky. You might still see some of your information auto-filled when not logged in. This may trick you into thinking you are in your account. But, if you book an appointment outside your account, you won't have access to it. So, it pays to double-check!
How to create a CoachAmyPT scheduling account.
If you don’t yet have an account, you can register for one the next time you book an appointment. At the end of your booking process, when viewing the confirmation, you will see “Register for an account.”
Click Register for an account.
Create a password, agree to the terms of service, and acknowledge a privacy policy.
Click Sign up
Now, you can start using your account.
How to schedule an appointment via your web browser.
Go to the CoachAmyPT website > schedule.
Click Login in the top-right corner to ensure your appointment is assigned to your account.
Enter your email address and password.
Click Login.
Book appointment.
Do you still need help?
Contact Allison if you are still having difficulty accessing your scheduled appointments.
Meet Allison Stoppel, billing specialist.
A daydream turns reality.
One day, while daydreaming during a run, Coach Amy said, "Someday, when I have a private practice, you will work with me!" While owning a practice wasn't a goal then, the daydream became a reality ten years later!
Introducing Allison Stoppel
Many of you have interacted with Allison, CoachAmyPT's billing specialist and administrative assistant. But you may not know who she is! Allison is a loyal friend of Coach Amy's. They’ve been running buddies for almost 20 years. Allison is a high school math teacher and mom of two boys. She works behind the scenes, meticulously handling all billing-related matters and more for CoachAmyPT and the Roadrunners of Kansas City run club.
“I am so lucky to have Allison. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to handle CoachAmyPT’s business-related finances. ”
Look out for the occasional email from Allison with instructions regarding your patient portal and more! Contact her if you have questions about your invoice or insurance coverage.
Prioritizing your Health and Wellness with CoachAmyPT - A Guide for Insurance Patients
Prioritizing your health and wellness with CoachAmyPT is an investment with a high return.
Coach Amy helps you restore and maintain healthy movement, stay active, and live your best life, helping you avoid costly surgery, imaging, medications, and injections.
Update, October 2026: As of October 1, 2026, CoachAmyPT no longer bills insurance directly, including Blue Cross Blue Shield. The information below no longer applies. For current details, read Elevating Patient Care: Our Transition to a Concierge Practice or visit our Cost & Insurance page.
CoachAmyPT accepts Blue KC, but you may still owe payments.
Read the following information carefully to avoid surprises and to assist with your budget.
You are responsible for payment to CoachAmyPT:
If you still owe your deductible
If there is an outstanding coinsurance or copay balance
Upon reaching the maximum number of covered PT visits for the year
For non-covered, out-of-pocket services such as dry needling or high-intensity laser therapy
Upon occurrence of a no-show or late cancellation fee
Your insurance coverage is a customized agreement between yourself, your employer, and Blue. Thus, individual plans may vary. Contact your provider for clarification if you have any inquiries regarding your coverage details or deductible status.
Good Faith Estimate
CoachAmyPT emails a Good-Faith Estimate to Blue KC patients who have scheduled appointments. These are not official quotes.
Payment Options
We accept all major credit cards and HSA cards for convenient payment options.
Let’s Do This!
We look forward to helping you meet your goals with carefully crafted treatment customized to your needs.
Lifting Heavy Benefits Aging Adults and Endurance Athletes
Did you know that lifting heavy is beneficial for just about everyone? Lifting heavier weights strengthens muscles and bones, burns calories, boosts brain power, and has many anti-aging benefits.
Despite common myths, aging adults and endurance athletes can and should lift heavy. With the guidance of a physical therapist, even those with osteoporosis/osteopenia or back injuries can lift heavy in back-friendly positions, ensuring a safe and effective workout.
Persons with cardiovascular disease or heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, can benefit from lifting heavy objects if a cardiologist clears them and they use proper breathing techniques. Children under the age of 15 should not lift heavy weights.
Benefits of Lifting Heavy
Weight control
Building muscle mass burns more calories. You burn calories at rest doing nothing!
Bone strength
Lifting heavy weights stimulates bone growth and repair and mitigates osteoporosis (bone loss).
Decrease injury risk
Improved muscle strength allows you to perform daily living and sports activities with greater ease and safety and less risk of injury.
Performance enhancement, even for endurance athletes
There is a myth that heavy lifting slows endurance athletes - I used to believe that myself. But research proves that it improves speed, endurance, and run economy! Check out this article to learn more.
Anti-aging benefits
releases the hormone IGF-1 - an insulin-like growth factor that boosts brain power
prevents loss of bone mass as we age
prevents muscle wasting as we age
Want to learn more anti-aging strategies? Check out my 5-part series on the Secrets to Combating the Effects of Aging on our Musculoskeletal System.
What is meant by "lifting heavy."
Depending on your goals, lifting heavy refers to lifting at 70-90% (depending on goals) of your one-rep max (1RM), which is the maximum amount of weight you can lift with proper form for one repetition. You typically perform about 3-12 reps for 3-4 sets. Those with endurance goals will aim for 70% and higher reps, and those with speed goals will aim for 90% and lower reps.
Getting started with heavy lifting
Testing for 1RM (or the amount of weight you can lift with proper form 1 time) is very taxing and sometimes risky. You don't have to test for 1RM to learn what weight is right for you. Choose a weight and see how it feels to lift that weight with proper form. Aim for a weight that feels challenging to complete 6-10 reps such that it becomes difficult to use the correct form, but you can still maintain form.
Aim for two to three workouts per week. Endurance athletes should work with their coach to determine when heavy lifting is appropriate in their training cycle.
If you are new to lifting weights, working with a certified trainer is recommended to ensure you use good form. This professional guidance will give you the confidence to lift heavy weights safely and effectively.
Remember that lifting heavy weights does not mean you need to jump into a CrossFit competition. Heavy is relative. If you currently work with two # dumbells for a gazillion bicep curls, six # may be the right place to start, while your workout buddy may find that amount is 12#. You do you! Always.
How to lift safely
No pain, no gain is NOT a thing.
If you can lift a certain weight with good form, but it causes pain somewhere in the body, stop and seek help from a physical therapist.
Breathwork is essential with lifting.
Don't hold your breath. It spikes your blood pressure and reduces oxygen needed for the muscles. When lifting, inhale as you lower the weight and exhale as you lift. If you don't know how to breathe correctly, seek professional help.
Lift SLOW!
I have seen many patients who became injured after attending group classes where instructors moved them through heavy weights quickly! Move slowly and intentionally when lifting heavy.
When to seek professional help
Physical therapy
See a physical therapist for evaluation if you have pain with lifting or if you have a history or current back or other injury.
A physical therapist will evaluate your issue, provide treatment if needed, and modify your lifting to avoid pain and injury.
CoachAmyPT
Consider blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT). Coach Amy applies a pressure cuff to your extremities at a controlled and carefully prescribed occlusion pressure (measured with a Doppler ultrasound device). The pressure minimizes the blood flow to and from your muscles during customized physical therapy rehab protocol or performance training workouts. BFRT allows us to reap the same benefit of high-intensity training with less strain on the muscles, tendons, and joints.
CoachAmyPT offers physically therapist-led 1:1 training as a self-pay service with the benefits of hands-on therapy during sessions as needed. BFRT is also available for 1:1 training at CoachAmyPT.
Other help
See a certified personal trainer if you need to learn how to lift correctly and need accountability. Seek personal trainers with training through reputable organizations such as:
National Council on Strength and Fitness Certified Personal Trainer certification (NCSF-CPT).
The National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT)
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
The role of protein in lifting
You can have the best weight-lifting protocol, but resistance training is only effective if you have the building blocks for muscle and bone. Check out The Coach Amy and Coach Liz Show for three episodes about the importance of protein, including how much you need and the best sources. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or via the landing page included in the link.
Start your heavy-lifting journey
Lifting heavy weights benefits many populations, including aging adults and endurance athletes. It is important to approach heavy lifting cautiously and seek professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. I hope these benefits inspire you to start or continue your heavy-lifting journey!