What to Expect from Your Zeel Massage Referral

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How Massage Therapy Referrals Work

Initial Care vs. Continuing Care Referrals

  • Your first referral for medical massage therapy from VA—called an Initial Care referral—covers 12 treatments in a 90-day window.
  • At the end of this initial course of care, if your massage therapist and our clinical team determine that you would benefit from further massage treatment, we can submit a “Request for Additional Service” (RFS) to your VA Medical Center.
  • If the RFS is approved, you may receive a Continuing Care referral, which covers 12 treatments in a 180-day window. Note that Zeel does not decide whether to approve or deny an RFS.
  • Remember that any of the 12 treatments not scheduled within the 90- or 180-day referral period will be forfeited upon referral expiration.

Scheduling Appointments

  • For your first Zeel massage, you will be paired with a licensed massage therapist best suited to your clinical needs and available at a time that fits your schedule.
  • Once you are assigned a therapist, you will schedule future appointments with them directly. We strongly recommend scheduling the next treatment(s) with your provider at the end of each session.
  • Have a referral for massage but haven’t scheduled your first appointment yet? Get started online at va.zeel.com or by calling (877) 438-9335.

Self-Care Education and Training

  • As part of the VA’s Standard Episode of Care for massage therapy, Zeel provides education on self-management of your condition between appointments. This includes information or training on topics relevant to your condition, such as exercise and stretching guidance, ergonomic adjustments, or mobility and stability training.
  • The purpose of this education is to provide you with tools to participate in your recovery between sessions and after your treatment is concluded. This improves health outcomes overall and is in keeping with the VA’s Whole Health initiative for Veteran wellness.

What to Expect from Your Zeel Appointments

Preparing for Your Massage Appointment

  • If you are receiving in-home massage, your therapist will bring a massage table and all necessary supplies. Please clear 6′ x 10′ of space for the therapist to set up the table.
  • For in-home appointments, you will provide linens: two sheets (for draping) and a pillowcase (to cover the face cradle).
  • If visiting a provider’s office for treatment, please arrive 10 minutes early to ensure sufficient time for intake and setup. You do not need to supply linens for in-office appointments.
  • For the safety of patients and providers, Zeel massage therapists are unable to assist patients on or off the massage table. If you anticipate needing help, please arrange for a caregiver, family member, or friend to assist as needed.
  • Please secure pets, firearms, and other weapons away from the massage treatment area.

During Your Appointment

  • Your first Zeel treatment includes a 30 min. intake and evaluation, as required by VA, followed by a 30 min. massage. Subsequent visits will include a shorter intake, followed by the massage, which may be extended to 60 minutes, if deemed clinically appropriate.
  • Medical massages are performed while you remain clothed. Please wear loose-fitting clothing that allows access to the area(s) being treated and enables a full range of motion. While you will be appropriately draped during the session, the therapist may ask to adjust your clothing to ensure effective care.
  • Tipping is not allowed (or necessary) for medical massage appointments.

Tracking Progress and Patient Outcomes

  • Your provider will work with you from the start to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your condition, capabilities, and lifestyle. They will set recovery goals with you and monitor your progress toward them.
  • Before each massage, your provider will administer pre-treatment questionnaires about your pain levels and impact on your daily life. This information helps us measure your recovery progress and is necessary for your healthcare claims and documentation.
  • You may also receive post-treatment email questionnaires to see how you feel directly after your massages. These surveys are optional, but we encourage you to complete them regularly, as they help us further validate the outcomes of your massage therapy.

Zeel is Here to Support Your Health and Recovery!

If you have questions about your medical massage treatment, you can contact our Patient Care Coordination team at (877) 438-9335 or via email at help@zeel.com.

If you have an active referral, you can request your next treatment at va.zeel.com or by calling (877) 438-9335.