The benefits of working with Dr. Bell include:

EXPERT CARE:

Dr. Kim Bell, PT, DPT is an expert clinician, pioneer, and industry leader in this specialty area, with over twenty years of clinical experience.

Dr. Bell is a recognized leader with the highest level of advanced training in her field, including a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate Degree.

In 2023, Dr. Bell achieved Certification in Clinical Vestibular Competency from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

INTEGRATIVE, PERSONALIZED APPROACH:

Dr. Bell developed and trademarked a comprehensive, detailed, and unique methodology called The Bell Method® to determine which body systems or body parts are contributing to your discomfort.

Her methods combine evidence-based, multi-system assessment and treatment with “outside the box” innovative concepts developed by Dr. Bell.

She and her team are not subject to tunnel vision like many healthcare providers.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY:

For all new potential patients, Kim Bell uses a set of screening questions to determine if her services are appropriate for your case at this time.

She does not charge any fee to review your answers to the screening questions.

NO REFERRAL IS NEEDED:

Kim Bell Physical Therapy Inc. accepts and highly values referrals from physicians, but a referral is not required to receive Dr. Bell’s care. California state law allows direct access to physical therapy services without a physician’s referral.

Don’t delay, request your consultation today!

DIRECT ACCESS TO YOUR PROVIDER:

Dr. Bell is available to her patients directly by email, so you will feel supported and receive timely answers to your questions. She usually replies to emails during business hours within 2 business days.

You will have a dedicated Doctor of Physical Therapy who knows you and unlimited email support throughout your care.

No middle man. No runaround.

TRANSPARENT PRICING:

No one likes getting unexpected bills from healthcare providers, so Kim Bell Physical Therapy Inc. operates with price transparency.

You decide up front if their services are within your reach. No secret pricing. No hidden fees. No unexpected bills. Ever.

OUTSIDE THE INSURANCE MODEL:

Dr. Bell and her team are free to provide the care you need in a fee-for-service model of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Bell’s care is not restricted by insurance requirements, limitations, or delays.

ONE-ON-ONE UNDIVIDED ATTENTION

You will receive direct, one-on-one care from your highly skilled physical therapist at each visit from start to finish.

No assistants. No aides. No technicians. No other patients around. You will get the undivided attention you need and deserve.

AFTER-HOURS VISITS AND HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE:

Dr. Bell can offer visits during high demand times (after 5 pm and weekends). Visit prices double for evening and weekend appointments.

House calls are available in certain parts of San Diego County for an extra fee.

Dr. Bell and her team strive to take excellent care of their patients, so you can get your life back!

No. California has a Direct Access to Physical Therapy Services law that allows patients to be seen by a physical therapist without a referral for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first.

If you require further care, then a physician’s referral is required.

Physician referrals and medical diagnostics are not necessary, but are valued and welcome.

Establish a patient-therapist relationship with Dr. Kim Bell, PT, DPT. The private specialty consultation is designed for you to have a total of approximately 3.5 – 5 total hours of time and directed attention from Dr. Bell in order to thoroughly investigate your case and discover possible root causes for your discomfort.

• After you book your appointment for Initial Root Cause Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment Specialty Consultation, Dr. Bell will send you a history form to complete. You will need to complete the history form and send it back to Dr. Bell at least thirty minutes before your scheduled phone call.
• During your history taking phone call, Dr. Bell will review your medical history, symptoms, and current complaints for about 30-60 minutes. This phone call typically occurs before the in-person visit. (In some cases, if the initial in-person appointment is scheduled urgently, this step may be skipped in order to get you into the clinic as soon as possible.)
• Dr. Bell will complete a comprehensive, detailed Root Cause Physical Therapy Evaluation and initial Physical Therapy treatment, both in the first visit. This is a high complexity physical therapy evaluation, so the initial visit may last for up to 2.5 – 4 hours, depending on the exam findings.
• Dr. Bell provides in-person care at her office in Vista, California, conveniently located with easy freeway access off Highway 78 in north San Diego County.
• For an extra fee, house calls are available in certain parts of San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County.
• Evening and weekend appointments may be available as needed, for double the usual visit fee.
• Dr. Bell will use her extensive knowledge, advanced skills, and over twenty years of clinical experience to evaluate you and analyze your case to the best of her ability.
• Based on the results of your initial consultation, she will develop a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment plan for you.
• Your treatment plan may include any combination of:
  • (1) follow up visits with Dr. Bell or her team,
  • (2) self-care strategies or exercises to perform at home,
  • (3) patient education and caregiver training through handouts or free online resources, and 
  • (4) referrals to one or more additional specialty providers.
• Over the course of time, your treatment plan may be modified or extended, and her recommendations for you may change, depending on how your case evolves.
• After the initial consultation, you should read all the handouts and educational information she provides to you in order to get the maximum benefit from consulting with Dr. Bell. You can ask questions as you go along, at follow up visits or via email communication.
• This Specialty Consultation service is unique in healthcare due to the extensive time Dr. Bell will spend investigating your case and personalizing your treatment plan, and includes a detailed interview, hands-on clinical assessment and treatment via The Bell Method® strategies.
• You will have direct access to Dr. Bell by email throughout your course of care with unlimited Q&A, if you sign the form to authorize electronic communication during the intake process.
•  Follow up visits and phone consultations are available for patients who complete the Initial Consultation. All follow up visits and phone consultations are fee-for-service.
• Dr. Bell cannot make any guarantee of certain results because she does not yet know what is going on with you and your case is unique, but she can promise she will make a good faith effort, do her best to investigate your case, and help you to the best of her ability. There is also no guarantee that symptoms won’t come back at some future date, thereby requiring more care at that time. Dr. Bell will do her best to educate you about how to recognize any potential future recurrence of symptoms and what to do.

Dr. Bell offers private consultations and compassion-based health coaching to:

• Analyze the root cause of your discomfort to create a targeted, individual treatment plan
• Reduce your stress and feelings of worry by clearing up confusion
• Consider you as a whole person and examines possible causes of your symptoms from different body systems
• Empower you with knowledge, skills, and confidence to create a better life for yourself
• Provide direct physical therapy treatment to reduce your discomfort and improve your quality of life
• Instruct appropriate, customized exercises to reduce if not completely eliminate your symptoms
• Educate you on effective, self-care strategies to manage any lingering or episodic symptoms
• Refer you to the most skilled specialty healthcare providers for your needs beyond the scope of physical therapy practice
• Support you through email communication as needed throughout your care
• Recommend free educational resources and multimedia e-courses that you may want to purchase relevant to your case
• Suggest appropriate assistive devices or equipment
• Reduce the caregiver burden for those who love you
• Prepare you to quickly recognize and take appropriate action if your symptoms recur

Patient care is provided in person at an office in Vista, California.

If needed, house calls are available for a flat fee of $500 within a 1-hour driving radius of Dr. Bell’s office. For locations beyond this radius, additional travel fees may apply, and house calls may not be available in certain areas.

For people who are willing, interested, and able to pay out of pocket for specialty health care

Virtual Case Management Services via Telehealth are currently available for patients within California via phone and email.

• All new patients must complete our screening process to determine if our services are a good next step.
• Initial communication does not establish a patient-therapist relationship or provide professional medical advice.
• No video conferencing is available at this time.
• Due to an increasing demand for our services, we are not able to accept every new potential patient.
• New cases are accepted per Dr. Bell’s availability.
• We book all appointments first come, first serve.
• Please review our prices* below before initiating our screening process.
• If you would like to move forward with in-person care or Virtual Case Management Services after reviewing our prices, please contact us and then answer the screening questions for all new potential patients.

*Service prices may be subject to change from time to time.

Dizziness and Vertigo. Kim Bell has consulted with thousands of patients with complaints of dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Conducting a hands-on clinical exam and root cause analysis of those complaints is truly her gift and her clinical specialty.

She is an expert in evaluation and treatment for resolution of all types of BPPV (typical, atypical, complex, multi-canal, bilateral, Type II, etc.) and a master clinician in vestibular physical therapy. Many patients with BPPV have been told by at least one other provider that they do not have BPPV, so she evaluates all new patients for BPPV at each visit.

Kim Bell also goes the extra mile to evaluate and address root causes of dizziness and vertigo beyond the inner ear. Over the years, she has developed her own innovative methods of evaluation and treatment that work well for most patients.

Dr. Bell wants to help you get your life back!

Her patient-centered, integrative approach also offers patient education and exercises for reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and relieving feelings of worry, despair and hopelessness, that often co-occur in patients suffering with dizziness and vertigo.

In patients over 65 years old, her team is often consulted to evaluate underlying causes of unexplained repeated falls, fear of falling, general unsteadiness, and chronic falls.

Dr. Bell also has developed innovative treatments for headaches, foot neuropathy, age-related incontinence, and unexplained repeated falls.

• This unique specialty service is designed to offer high quality, personalized Assessment and Expert Vestibular Rehabilitation Treatment for vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
• Request your Initial Root Cause Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment Specialty Consultation using this contact form.
• Respond to the screening questions that Dr. Bell uses for all new potential patients. There is no charge for her to review your answers to the screening questions.
• If her services are appropriate for your situation at this time, you will be able to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Bell.
• If she recommends her Virtual Case Management Services or something else instead, she will let you know after reviewing your answers to the screening questions.

To Prepare for your Initial Consultation:

• To prepare for your consultation, gather a list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter, supplements, and herbs.
• After you schedule your appointment, complete the history form and send it back to Dr. Bell at least one hour before your history taking phone call.
• The first step of the initial consulation is a history taking phone call from Dr. Bell to review your medical history, symptoms, and current complaints before the in-person visit. This call usually lasts between 30-60 minutes. Make sure you are available to talk on the phone during your scheduled phone appointment with Dr. Bell.
• Be sure that you have reported your condition to your doctor because your primary care doctor may want to do his or her own exam.
• Invite a family member, caregiver or close friend to join the consultation to take notes for you or record the consultation, so you don’t have to remember everything that Dr. Bell explains and teaches you by yourself.
• Eat a light breakfast and drink a glass of water on the morning of the consultation.
• Bring a snack to the appointment if you think you might get hungry.
• Wear comfortable clothing so that you can move around during the visit. Wear socks or bring socks to put on. Wear shoes that you can easily take on and off without bending forward. Bring a light zip up jacket in case you feel chills during the treatment.
• Do not take any vestibular suppressant medication on the morning of the consultation because they will interfere with the results of the exam. Common vestibular suppressants your doctor may have prescribed include meclizine and benzodiazepines. If you are wearing a scopolamine patch to suppress the vertigo, you may need to remove it the day before your initial appointment.
• Discuss any medications you are taking for vertigo or nausea with Dr. Bell before your in-person appointment. Medication for nausea, like ondansetron, does not interfere with the exam results, so patients with a history of vomiting during vertigo attacks can take nausea medication before the appointment.
• If you have any “as needed” medication for vertigo or nausea, bring it with you to take as soon as you finish the appointment, before you get in the car to ride home, if needed.
• Plan your schedule so that you can take it easy for the rest of the day after your initial consultation. The hands-on evaluation will trigger your symptoms so that Dr. Bell can assess the extent of your condition and make appropriate recommendations. Although she will skillfully manage your symptoms throughout the evaluation, you may still feel tired afterwards and need extra rest. You should not plan to do household chores, return to work, read, drive, work on your computer, or cook your own dinner that evening. Some people feel absolutely fine afterwards, but some need to take it easy for the rest of the day.
• Be prepared to get extra sleep and rest for a day or so, after the initial appointment. Most patients experience a “hangover effect” the next day due to the extensive testing and treatment at the initial appointment. The fatigue and malaise from the “hangover effect” usually resolves with 12-48 hours, but may last as long as 3 days for more sensitive patients. A hangover effect is normal, even when the treatment is successful and may occur after any appointment with Dr. Bell for vertigo care.
• Postpone all dental care and beauty salon appointments for at least a week after the first visit.
• If you are seeing Dr. Bell at her Vista office location, you may need to arrange a ride. Dr. Bell will email you with details about her office location and parking.
• If you are having a house call visit, please secure all pets before Dr. Bell arrives, so your pets do not cause an interruption to the visit or interfere with your care inadvertently.
• Email support after the visit is also available for patients who sign to authorize electronic communication during the intake process. You are welcome to email Dr. Bell to share your response to the treatment, discuss your progress, review the exam findings, go over suggested next steps, and provide further instructions and resources. She offers unlimited Q&A via email.
• For caregivers of patients with confusion or memory loss: Dr. Bell and her team members kindly request that a spouse, family member, or caregiver be present for the evaluation of any patients with confusion or memory loss to assist with the evaluation and support the treatment plan.
• For non-English speaking patients: All services are provided in English. Dr. Bell and her team members kindly request that a spouse or family member be present to assist with translation for any patients who are not able to communicate in English.

That depends. Everyone is different! Dr. Bell usually sees her private patients anywhere from 1-10+ times, depending on what you need, how quickly you make progress, and how complex your individual case.

Most patients see Dr. Bell for four to eight visits on average for an episode of vertigo, but every case is different and each person has unique causes and solutions for their symptoms. Some patients need fewer visits; other patients need more visits.

The total number of visits recommended is determined for each individual based the findings of the Initial Root Cause Physical Therapy Evaluation hands-on clinical examination and response to treatment – which is completed during the initial in-person consultation – and any other health concerns.

The most important part of determining the number of visits each patient needs is completing the initial comprehensive, detailed Initial Root Cause Physical Therapy Evaluation and hands-on examination to determine the extent of the problem list and identify the root cause(s) of the complaints.

Over the course of time, your treatment plan may be modified or extended, and Dr. Bell’s recommendations for you may change, depending on how your case evolves.

The Initial Consultation for in-person care with Dr. Bell is $1,125*, which includes the phone call plus the hands-on Root Cause Evaluation and Treatment plus direct access to your provider and unlimited Q&A via email.

The Initial consultation fee includes:

• History taking phone call with Dr. Bell to review your medical history, symptoms and current complaints prior to the in-person visit (usually between 30-60 minutes)
• Comprehensive hands-on clinical exam and initial treatment using The Bell Method® strategies by Dr. Bell (about 2.5 – 4 hours, depending on patient needs and current symptoms)
• Development of a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment plan after the initial visit
• Direct access to Dr. Bell throughout your treatmen plan with unlimited email support throughout your episode of care. (Email support is available for patients who choose to sign the form authorizing electronic communication.)

Follow Up Visits

Physical Therapy in-person follow up visit options are ideal for patients who prefer hands-on, individualized, and personalized rehabilitation by an expert clinician.

Follow Up Physical Therapy in-person visits are usually 1.5 – 2 hours in length, tailored to patient needs and current symptoms.

The first follow up visit with Dr. Bell in an episode of care is $595* / visit.

Follow up visits thereafter with Dr. Bell within an ongoing episode of care are $525* / visit.

Visit rates double after hours, on evenings and weekends.

House calls are available for a flat fee of $500 within a 1-hour driving radius of Dr. Bell’s office. For locations beyond this radius, additional travel fees may apply, and house calls may not be available in certain areas.

Phone Consultations

Phone Calls are available for patients who want to discuss their case further with Dr. Bell by phone.

• Phone consultation fee: $295* for up to 30 minutes. Invoice must be paid in advance.
• Calls lasting over 30 minutes are billed in five-minute increments: $50*/ 5 minutes.

Re-Evaluations May be Required for Returning Patients (Case by Case):

For returning patients who have not been seen in person recently, or had a change in medical status like a hospital stay or surgery, a Physical Therapy In-Person Re-Evaluation may be required to initiate a New Episode of Care. $795*

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Dr. Bell can accept HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) debit cards.

If the HSA or FSA debit card does not work with our card reader, the invoice can usually be submitted to the HSA or FSA plan by the account holder for full reimbursement as long as sufficient funds are in the account.

Policy

To review our payment policy for more details, click here.

*Service prices may be subject to change from time to time.

Dr. Bell’s goal is to get you better as fast as possible!

Kim Bell Physical Therapy Inc. offers a unique, unparalleled service designed specifically for people with dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance.

In order to support the excellent clinical outcomes that their private patients frequently enjoy, Dr. Bell and her Team Leader must spend extensive time with the patient to learn all the details of the case and complete a complex hands-on examination during the initial visit, along with a treatment and extensive education.

Providers who accept insurance often require a high total number of visits, so certain codes and procedures can be billed on different dates.

Dr. Bell and her team have a different game plan than insurance-based providers, because Dr. Bell and her team do not need to bill for every individual code and procedure that they perform on different dates.

In the first visit, Dr. Bell is able to accomplish as much as most physical therapists who take insurance can get done in 4 to 8 visits at their office (if ever).

With the quality of care provided by Dr. Bell and her team, it’s not possible to fit within the insurance box.

They are very experienced clinicians and provide excellent customer service! Their time is set aside just for you at each visit.

Simply put, insurance often delays, restricts, and limits your care.

Unfortunately, due to declining health insurance payments and increasing insurance paperwork burden, healthcare providers who accept health insurance are not able to spend as much time with their patients as Dr. Bell and her team require for their services.

In physical therapy clinics that accept health insurance, the patient’s care is often rushed, cut short, or delegated to lesser skilled individuals on staff.

Surprise medical bills, secret pricing, and hidden fees are common problems with insurance-based care that Dr. Bell and her team want to avoid.

Dr. Bell and her team operate with price transparency, so you decide up front if our care is within your reach, payment is due at the time of service, and you never receive an unexpected bill from Kim Bell Physical Therapy Inc.

Keep in mind that the average patient with vertigo sees 4-5 different doctors and often spends thousands of dollars to get the help they need. Patients with dizziness or vertigo are often subject to unnecessary diagnostic testing, sometimes take inappropriate medications, and suffer from delays in care for weeks to months, even for years.

Many people never discover the root cause of their symptoms due to inadequate diagnosis, reliance on diagnostic tests, and ineffective treatment efforts, leading to mismanagement of their case.

If you want to use your health insurance, there are other providers who will accept your health insurance. You can find them at Vestibular.org.

Many patients tell us they find that insurance-based healthcare providers do not have adequate time to thoroughly review their history or to assess them in detail for root causes of their complaints, much less provide personalized education and recommendations for optimal outcomes.

When making your decisions, it is recommended to check your deductible and co-pay or co-insurance, as many health care plans have high out-of-pocket costs for covered services.

If you have already consulted with all the experts who take your health insurance and are still suffering, don’t give up hope. Dr. Bell and her team are here for you.

A comprehensive hands-on clinical exam by a skilled Vestibular Expert clinician is shown to be superior to MRI and other diagnostic tests under many circumstances.

For Medicare patients who require ongoing or extended physical therapy intervention, Dr. Bell and her team may be able to recommend follow up physical therapy services that are appropriate and are covered by Medicare. If possible, Dr. Bell will refer her patients to physical therapists that she has personally trained.

Yes. You will be able to talk to Dr. Bell and ask all your questions during follow up visits.

All patients who are under the care of Kim Bell Physical Therapy Inc. also have unlimited direct access to Dr. Kim Bell via email to receive support throughout their plan of care. In order to access this benefit, the patient must sign the intake form to authorize electronic communication with the provider.

Additional support and coaching are available through pre-paid phone consultations.

• Phone Consultation with Dr. Bell: $295* / 30 minutes
• $50*/ 5 minute increments if the call goes over 30 minutes

*Service prices may be subject to change from time to time.

It depends. Everyone is different, so the answer varies between individuals.

For some patients, this consultation is the final step and they are able to enjoy a complete recovery after consulting with Dr. Bell.

Other patients require physical therapy follow up visits to optimize outcomes, new self-care routines, and/or consultations with one or more additional specialty healthcare providers.

Since the service is unique and personalized, Dr. Bell will review your prognosis, considerations, suggested next steps, and any additional care that is recommended once your Initial Consultation is completed.

Over the course of time, your treatment plan may be modified or extended, and my recommendations for you may change, depending on how your case evolves.

There is always a possibility that symptoms can recur in the future. Some people never have a recurrence; while other people do experience symptoms again at some point in the future.

Even with patients who have a full recovery and a successful outcome with The Bell Method®, Dr. Bell cannot guarantee that symptoms will not recur in the future. However, she educates patients on how to recognize and respond to any recurrence of symptoms.

Dr. Kim Bell, PT, DPT has:

• Both a Doctorate Degree and a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy
• 20+ years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist
• Advanced Training in Dizziness, Vertigo, Imbalance, and Falls
• Achieved Certification in Clinical Vestibular Competency from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2023
• Taught as Adjunct Faculty at Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs from coast to coast in the USA
• Successfully resolved thousands of patient cases
• UC-TV shows with over 3 million total views
• Led San Diego’s Fall Prevention Task Force since 2006
• Recognition as a “Public Health Champion” in San Diego County
• Become a Live Well San Diego Recognized Partner
• Presented a webinar on the first day of the first ever Virtual Vestibular Conference hosted by the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) in 2020
• Helped patients who travel to San Diego from all over the globe with the most complex and difficult cases!
• Pioneered and trademarked The Bell Method®

To learn more about Dr. Bell’s career and mission as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, click here.

For testimonials from other patients, click here.

In order to make sure you get the best results from your consultation, Dr. Bell requests that you provide an accurate medical history, including a list of all past surgeries or medical procedures, the names and specialties of all your current healthcare providers, and an updated list of medications and supplements that you are taking.

Your medication list should include all oral prescription and over-the counter medications, along with any prescription skin creams, eye drops, and medications that you inject or inhale.

During the evaluation and treatment sessions, Dr. Bell requests that you answer all questions as truthfully as possible and keep her informed of your symptoms.

Be sure to notify Dr. Bell of any mental health issues that you are experiencing now or have experienced in the past.

For best results, Dr. Bell recommends that you fully participate in all tests, treatments, and visits that are recommended.

Dr. Bell also recommends that you follow all instructions that are given, including any self-care, exercises, or precautions.

Promptly schedule any additional consultations she recommends with additional specialty providers.

Read all the handouts and educational information she provides to you.

You can ask questions as you go along, at follow up visits or via email communication.

Results are not guaranteed since everyone is different, but Dr. Bell does guarantee that she will make a good faith effort to provide you with expert level care.

Over the course of time, your treatment plan may be modified or extended, and her recommendations for you may change, depending on how your case evolves.

The results of your care will be maximized if you take an active role in your recovery process, follow your treatment plan, and communicate with Dr. Bell about how you are progressing as you work together.

If at any time you decide you do not want to follow your treatment plan, you should notify Dr. Bell. You have autonomy, so you will always have the option not to follow your treatment plan or adhere to her recommendations. 

However, if you decide not to stick with your treatment plan or follow Dr. Bell’s recommendations, then your progress and final level of recovery may be limited. She may not be able to continue working with you. 

If you are discharged early from Dr. Bell’s services due to not following her treatment recommendations, you may be able to seek her care again in the future by scheduling a re-evaluation.

Avoid canceling your visits. You will not be charged a fee for a cancellation. Dr. Bell may, however, decline to reschedule with you altogether or she may require you to pre-pay to reschedule your appointment, if you cancel multiple visits or if the reason for cancellation was not appropriate.

Please note: Dr. Bell has limited appointments available, so she requests 48 hours notice of any cancellation, in order to offer that opening to someone else.

Dr. Bell may decline to continue to provide care to anyone at any time, if she no longer believes her services are appropriate for your individual situation.

Please be sure to check with our office before booking your travel arrangements to ensure that Dr. Bell is available.

If you plan to stay overnight:

If you are traveling to San Diego from within the USA, you will most likely fly into the San Diego or Carlsbad airports.

International patients usually fly into LAX and drive south to San Diego County in a rental car.

Dr. Bell recommends that you plan to stay for at least five nights to allow for follow-up visits and/or further evaluation by another local provider if you have multiple causes of dizziness.

Many patients fly in on a Monday and then fly home the following Saturday.

Most patients should plan to see Dr. Bell 2-3 times per week, for 1-2 weeks. Some patients will require more care. Other patients feel better more quickly. Every case is different.

Dr. Bell may recommend for you to schedule additional consultations with other local specialty providers during your stay.

For your convenience, here are some hotels located near her office:

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad/Vista – 2201 S Melrose Dr., Vista, CA
• Hyatt Place San Diego / Vista‑Carlsbad – 2645 S Melrose Dr., Vista, CA

Please note that Dr. Bell is not affiliated with or responsible for any of these properties. This list is provided solely as a convenience for patients who may need local accommodations. We encourage you to contact the hotels directly regarding rates, availability, and any special needs.

If you would like to come for the day:

For patients who live outside of San Diego County and would like to see Dr. Bell then drive home that night, Dr. Bell can see you at her clinic location in Vista.

Dr. Bell recommends that you plan to drive to Vista at least once a week for four or more weeks, so that she can provide you with adequate follow up care.

You will need to arrange a ride with a friend or family, since you may not be able to drive yourself home after the treatment.

Some patients who have decided to drive for the day to see Dr. Bell in Vista have gotten carsick on the way home, so this day-trip option is not recommended.

The better option is for you to stay overnight somewhere nearby, so you do not have to ride in the car after the visit or burden anyone to drive you home afterwards.

Other considerations for Medical Tourists:

Many patients are able to deduct their travel costs to San Diego as a “medical trip” on their tax return. Dr. Bell recommends for you to discuss that option with your Accountant.

Please note: San Diego County has a high volume of summer tourists so hotel and flight prices are the most expensive from May through September every year.

Dr. Bell offers in-person care for private patients at an office in Vista, California.

If needed, house calls are available for a flat fee of $500 within a 1-hour driving radius of Dr. Bell’s office. For locations beyond this radius, additional travel fees may apply, and house calls may not be available in certain areas.

For patients within California who cannot work with Dr. Bell in person, for whatever reason, she offer Virtual Case Management Services via Telehealth.

If you are interested in her Virtual Case Management Services via Telehealth, get started by answering her screening questions for all new potential patients. After she reviews your answers to the screening questions, she will let you know if your case is appropriate for that service.

If you are outside Dr. Bell’s service area, please join Dr. Bell’s mailing list to receive free educational blogs and other helpful information about her online community, and to be notified when her book is published.

Virtual Case Management Services within California

• Have you been to several doctors, trying to find the source and remedy for your dizziness or vertigo?
• Have you been prescribed medications, and undergone tests, treatments, and procedures that don’t really help?
• Do you feel alone, misunderstood, and uncertain where to turn for relief?
• Are you feeling lost or worried, wondering who will be able to understand and help you?

It can be a discouraging experience, leading to frustration and a feeling of helplessness.

Dr. Kim Bell, PT, DPT is a patient advocate first and foremost, with over twenty years of clinical experience. Kim Bell offers Virtual Case Management Services for people with dizziness or vertigo throughout California who are unable to work with her in person.

Assessing the root cause(s) of your ailment is the KEY to creating a customized treatment plan. Using her unique, comprehensive, detailed root cause analysis methodology The Bell Method®️, Kim Bell is often quickly able to determine the root cause(s) of your symptoms.

Through her Virtual Case Management Services, Dr. Bell will help you navigate the healthcare system. She uses questionnaires, reviews all reports you share, and analyzes the results of any tests and treatments you have, to guide you along the way.

Kim Bell will help you prepare for upcoming appointments with specialists and follow up with you afterwards. She will share meaningful educational resources to fill in the gaps in the healthcare system. Dr. Bell will act as your advocate, as you seek answers and relief.

Dr. Bell’s Virtual Case Management includes:

Advocacy – guidance to help you get to the specialized healthcare provider(s) you need for your case

Personalized Education – helpful information about how to analyze and report your symptoms to your providers

Resources for your Learning – tailored to your specific case because the more you know, the less you worry!

Expert Guidance – a Vertigo Detective™️ in your corner to help you interpret the findings and recommendations of your healthcare team and figure out your next steps

Empowerment – feel more confident knowing what to say and what to ask at your medical appointments, with your own personal cornerman

Connect the dots – identify and address all the root causes that may be triggering your symptoms, and escalating or perpetuating each other, for your optimal recovery

Virtual Case Management Services Price:

• $995* for Dr. Bell to review all your documents plus a one-hour phone call with Kim Bell plus 45 days of unlimited email support
• Any additional call during 45 days $295* / 30 minutes
• Additional email support beyond 45 days starts a new case and requires a physician referral $995*

Do you want The Vertigo Detective™️ in your corner?

Stop the runaround and start getting answers. Dr. Bell is here for you!

Get started by answering the screening questions she uses for all new potential patients.

Virtual Case Management DOES NOT include a clinical evaluation, treatment via telehealth, or written clinical reports. Dr. Bell will not provide direct patient care, prepare clinical reports, or communicate with your healthcare providers directly.

This service is only available within California for patients who are unable to work with Dr. Bell in person. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

*Service prices may be subject to change from time to time.

Dr. Bell understands that many patients who suffer with dizziness and vertigo are unable to work full time and have financial difficulties.

Because of price transparency, you can decide up front if the prices are in your ballpark or not!

If the prices are too much of a stretch right now, then Dr. Bell’s specialized care may not be the right next step for you at this time.

Dr. Bell is cautious not to take on a new patient who is unable to pay for the follow up visits that might be needed, as she is focused on optimizing outcomes for each patient who trusts her with their life.

Lack of follow up care that is needed sets up both the patient and Dr. Bell for disappointment.

She also offers Virtual Case Management Services for patients within California for a lower rate than in-person care. She also hosts an online community.

Dr. Bell has created a lot of helpful resources that are available to you at no cost on this page.

You can also read blog articles on this website and Vertigo Detective to get you going in the right direction!

Join Dr. Bell’s mailing list so she can send you free, educational blogs, and other helpful information – and notify you when her book is available to purchase. She and her team are working hard to meet your needs by publishing free online resources and sending out newsletters.

No. Email communication is inherently insecure and can be intercepted by an unauthorized third party.

Dr. Bell cautions against transmitting any private, personal health information via email, text message, or voicemail.

In-person consultation is recommended to ensure the protection of your personal health information

Patients may choose to sign authorizing electronic communication on their intake forms, in order to allow communication with our team via email, text message, and voicemail. However, privacy of electronic communication cannot be guaranteed.

To review our privacy policy, click here.

Yes, Dr. Bell used infrared video oculography goggles (IVOG) to record video of the eye movements or nystagmus. She primarily uses this equipment at the initial exam for differential diagnosis.

At many follow up appointments, she uses IVOG to re-assess but it may not always be necessary for follow up appointments.

Patients are welcome to keep a copy of the eye videos, on a flash drive provided by Dr. Bell.

Yes. Dr. Bell regularly performs Epley maneuvers on her patients when appropriate. The Epley maneuver was the first BPPV particle repositioning maneuver published in 1992.

Dr. Bell uses (and teaches) about 15-20 different BPPV treatment maneuvers depending on what the patient needs, including the Epley maneuver.

Dr. Kim Bell, PT, DPT is an expert clinician with over twenty years of experience treating BPPV of all types, both typical and atypical BPPV. Many physicians throughout San Diego County refer their most complex, atypical cases of BPPV to Dr. Bell.

If you consult with Dr. Bell, you can expect her to conduct a thorough exam and pay attention to the details.

For an example of different maneuvers that may be needed case by case, you can read Dr. Bell’s blog post on Posterior Canal BPPV Variants here.

For an example of BPPV in a different canal that would need something besides an Epley maneuver to resolve, you can read a blog post on Horizontal canal BPPV here.

Dr. Bell is located at

Smart Space Vista,
450 S. Melrose Drive, Ste 118
Vista, CA 92081.

The best strategy is to use a GPS navigator to find the fastest route for your trip. Traffic patterns vary throughout the day, so a GPS app can help you.

As a courtesy, here are some basic directions approaching from different geographical areas. You can also find instructions below on where to park.

Two map images are shown here to help you easily locate Dr. Bell’s office and find the correct parking lot upon arrival.

Driving Directions

From I-5

1. Take 78 East.
2. Take the exit for Melrose Drive.
3. Turn right onto S. Melrose Drive.
4. Continue south on S. Melrose Drive.
5. Make a U-turn at Breeze Hill Road, to head north on S. Melrose Drive.
6. Your destination, 450 S. Melrose Drive, will be on the right.
7. Turn into the driveway for 440 S. Melrose Drive and head up the hill to find building 450 on your left.
8. Refer to parking instructions below.

From I-15

1. Take 78 West.
2. Take the exit for Vista Village Drive.
3. Turn left onto Vista Village Drive.
4. Turn right onto Hacienda Drive.
5. Turn left onto S. Melrose Drive.
6. Continue south on S. Melrose Drive.
7. Make a U-turn at Breeze Hill Road, to head north on S. Melrose Drive.
8. Your destination, 450 S. Melrose Drive, will be on the right.
9. Turn right into the driveway for 440 S. Melrose Drive and head up the hill to find building 450 on your left.
10. Refer to parking instructions below.

From the Shadowridge area:

1. Head north on S. Melrose Drive.
2. Your destination, 450 S. Melrose Drive, will be on the right.
3. Turn right into the driveway for 440 S. Melrose Drive and head up the hill to find building 450 on your left.
4. Refer to parking instructions below.

Parking Instructions

Where should I park when I visit Dr. Bell’s office?

The Smart Space Vista building is located behind 440 S. Melrose Drive and shares the same driveway.

To reach the correct parking lot, turn right at 440 S. Melrose Drive and continue uphill — you’ll see the Smart Space Vista building and designated parking area at the top on the left.

Enter the Smart Space Vista building and let the receptionist know you have arrived to see Dr. Bell.

For your convenience, please refer to the map below. The orange arrow shows the exact path to our parking lot and building entrance.

Follow the Orange arrow to find the Parking area for Dr. Bell’s office at Smart Space Vista.