FAQ

Booking & New Clients

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, when availability allows. New clients must complete intake paperwork before their appointment.

Do you offer same-day appointments for new clients?

New clients should generally book in advance to allow time for paperwork review and preparation. If you are seeking a same-day appointment, please send a text message to inquire about availability.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive on time. Intake forms should be completed before your appointment whenever possible.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing. Most massage sessions involve undressing to your comfort level and appropriate draping is used throughout the session.

Do you offer free consultations?

No. Questions can be addressed by email, but treatment recommendations require an appointment.

How long is the first appointment?

Most new clients spend approximately 5–10 minutes reviewing their health history, goals, symptoms, and treatment preferences before the hands-on portion of the session begins. This conversation starts at your scheduled appointment time.
Whenever possible, I strive to provide the full hands-on session length that you booked. New Client and First Visit appointment types include additional scheduling buffer to accommodate this process. While I make every effort to be generous with time, there may be occasions when scheduling constraints prevent extending the visit beyond the time reserved.
To make the most of your appointment, please complete all intake forms before arriving.

What if I book the wrong appointment type?

Appointments may be rescheduled if an incorrect appointment type is selected. If you are using insurance, a motor vehicle claim, Workers’ Compensation claim, or VA benefits, please book the appropriate First Visit appointment type.


Insurance

Do you accept health insurance?

Yes. Caring Portland Massage is in-network with Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield and PacificSource. We also accept VA Community Care, Motor Vehicle (PIP) claims, and Workers’ Compensation claims when appropriate documentation is provided.

Do I need a prescription or referral?

Yes. Caring Portland Massage requires a prescription, referral, or letter of medical necessity before insurance billing can proceed.

Does insurance guarantee payment?

No. Insurance verification is not a guarantee of payment. Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, visit limits, medical necessity requirements, and other plan restrictions may apply. Patients are responsible for any charges not paid by insurance, including non-covered services, denied claims, exhausted benefits, and deductible amounts.

Should I check my benefits before booking?

Yes. Before scheduling, contact your insurance company and ask:
*Is massage therapy covered?
*Is a deductible due?
*What is my copay or coinsurance?
*How many visits are available?
Only your insurance company can provide definitive information about your benefits.

How far in advance should I book an insurance appointment?

Please book at least two weeks before your desired appointment date. This allows time to collect documentation and verify benefits.

Can I book before my insurance is verified?

You may book an appointment, but the appointment is not considered confirmed until insurance information and required documentation have been reviewed. Appointments may be moved or cancelled if benefits cannot be verified in time.

What insurance plans do you NOT accept?

Caring Portland Massage does not accept Providence, Kaiser, CHP, OHP, Cigna, Aetna, HealthNet, Devoted, Medicare, Ash Network, Health Share, or Choose Healthy plans.

Do I need a prescription or referral for insurance billing?

Yes. Caring Portland Massage requires a prescription, referral, or letter of medical necessity before insurance billing can proceed.
Some insurance companies, including Regence, may tell members that a prescription or referral is not required to access massage benefits. However, insurance plans may still require documentation supporting medical necessity and may audit claims after payment has been issued.
To reduce the risk of denied or recouped claims, Caring Portland Massage requires a prescription, referral, or letter of medical necessity before submitting insurance claims.

I was in a motor vehicle collision. Can I use PIP benefits?

Yes. PIP claims are accepted with appropriate documentation and a prescription from a qualified medical provider. Schedule a FIRST VISIT: MVA / Workers’ Compensation appointment type.

Do you accept Workers’ Compensation claims?

Yes. Workers’ Compensation claims may be accepted when appropriate authorization and documentation are available. Schedule a FIRST VISIT: MVA / Workers’ Compensation appointment type.

What happens if I do not complete my forms?

Delays in providing insurance information, intake forms, referrals, or prescriptions may result in appointment cancellation or rescheduling while benefits are being verified.

Do all appointments qualify for insurance billing?

No. Insurance billing requires appropriate documentation and medical necessity. Some appointments may be private pay even if you have insurance coverage.

Do you accept Medicare?

No. Caring Portland Massage does not bill Medicare.


Massage Style & Approach

Do you offer relaxation massage?

While many clients find treatment relaxing, sessions are focused on therapeutic and medically-oriented massage goals.

How much pressure do you use?

Pressure is customized to the client. Effective treatment does not necessarily require deep pressure.

Do you perform full-body massage?

Treatment areas are based on the client’s goals, symptoms, and treatment plan.

Do you perform lymphatic drainage massage?

Yes. Lymphatic drainage is available for appropriate conditions and post-surgical recovery when medically appropriate.

Do you work with post-surgical clients?

Yes. Post-surgical care may be available once cleared by the surgical team and when incisions are sufficiently healed.

Do you diagnose medical conditions?

No. Massage therapy does not replace medical care. Please consult an appropriate healthcare provider regarding diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Can massage guarantee pain relief?

No. Results vary by person and condition.

Do you perform couples massage?

No.

Do you provide spa services?

No. Caring Portland Massage focuses on therapeutic and medically-oriented massage.

Can I receive massage during pregnancy?

In many cases, yes. Pregnancy massage may be appropriate throughout pregnancy, though certain medical conditions may require clearance from your healthcare provider.

What conditions do you commonly work with?

Neck and back pain
Headaches and jaw tension
Injury recovery
Scar tissue and post-surgical recovery
Cancer supportive care
Pregnancy and postpartum support
Lymphatic concerns
Stress-related muscle tension
Physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety
Chronic muscle tension related to stress
Nervous system regulation and stress reduction

How do I know if Caring Portland Massage is a good fit for me?

Caring Portland Massage focuses on therapeutic and medically-oriented massage, including injury recovery, chronic pain, scar work, lymphatic drainage, oncology massage, and trauma-informed care. Clients seeking treatment-focused massage and collaborative healthcare support are often a good fit.


Policies

Do you require a credit card on file?

Yes. A valid credit card is required to reserve appointments. The card is used to secure the appointment and may be charged in accordance with the cancellation and no-show policy. Insurance billing does not replace this requirement.

What is your cancellation policy?

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, missed appointments, and same-day cancellations are charged 100% of the Time of Service rate associated with the reserved appointment.
Insurance cannot be billed for missed appointments or late cancellations. Clients are responsible for the full Time of Service rate for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice or missed without notice.

What happens if I arrive late?

Late arrivals may receive a shortened session and may still be responsible for the full appointment fee.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds?

Yes, if permitted by your plan.

What is your policy regarding inappropriate behavior?

Caring Portland Massage provides professional therapeutic massage only.
Sexual comments, sexualized language, requests for sexual services, grooming behavior, inappropriate touching, indecent exposure, or any conduct that creates an unsafe or unprofessional treatment environment will result in the immediate termination of the session or appointment.
The client will be charged 100% of the Time of Service rate associated with the reserved appointment. Future appointments may be refused at the sole discretion of Caring Portland Massage.


Accessibility & Inclusivity

Is your practice LGBTQIA+ affirming?

Yes. Caring Portland Massage welcomes clients of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

Do you work with transgender and nonbinary clients?

Yes.

Are your sessions trauma-informed?

Yes. Client autonomy, consent, and communication are prioritized throughout treatment.


Accessibility / Environment

Is your office fragrance-free?

Not completely. Decon30 disinfectant is used in the treatment room and has a mild scent that typically dissipates after use. Essential oils are available by client request and are applied to a blotter in the face cradle rather than diffused throughout the office.

Is your office wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility depends on your specific mobility needs and equipment. The building entrance is ramped and works well for many clients using mobility devices, however I have not independently verified that it meets all ADA accessibility standards.
The massage table is fixed height and is not motorized, though a step stool is available to assist with transfers. The treatment room and building contain some tighter turns and narrower passageways that may not accommodate all mobility equipment. The restroom includes grab bars, but I cannot guarantee that it meets ADA specifications.
If you use a wheelchair, walker, scooter, or other mobility equipment, please contact me before booking. In some situations accommodations may be possible, while in others the space may not be a good fit.

Do you provide gender-affirming care?

Yes. Caring Portland Massage welcomes clients of all genders and provides gender-affirming, trauma-informed care. Treatment plans, draping, communication, and bodywork are tailored to each client’s comfort level, goals, and needs.