Patient Information

Choosing a provider for airway, TMJ, or sleep-related issues is not a quick decision, and it shouldn’t be.
Most of our patients have been through multiple providers and still haven’t received clear answers or lasting relief. We understand the weight that brings into a first appointment.
This page is here to help you understand how our practice works, what to expect, and what makes this office different from what you may have experienced elsewhere. If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll also find the details you need to get scheduled and registered. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to begin care, we’re here to make the process straightforward and respectful from the start.

What Makes This

Practice Different

We don’t offer surface-level solutions, our treatment plans are designed to bring long-term relief. 

Our practice is focused on people with complex conditions, like patients who’ve been told their symptoms don’t add up, or that they’ll have to live with them. Many have been through short visits, quick prescriptions, or one-size-fits-all appliances that never addressed the root of the problem. We do things differently because the work demands it.

Dr. Steve Russell’s approach is built on three things: careful listening, thorough evaluation, and treatment grounded in real-world outcomes. Every decision we make is tailored to the person in front of us, based on what their body is doing, what their history shows, and what has or hasn’t worked for them before. We’re a fee-for-service, out-of-network practice because the care we provide doesn’t fit into insurance-driven algorithms. We value outcomes over volume, which means our schedule is measured, our attention is undivided, and our recommendations are built around what works, not what’s covered.

Our team culture is rooted in clarity, compassion, and accountability. We stay current with diagnostic and treatment methods, and we hold ourselves to a high clinical standard because the conditions we treat require it. But we also lead with respect. You won’t be rushed, dismissed, or overwhelmed here. You’ll be heard, taken seriously, and given time to ask questions.If you’ve spent months or years trying to connect the dots on your own, this is a place built for that kind of patient. The work isn’t always fast, but it is thorough. And it’s built to last.

New Patients

We are currently accepting new patients at our Olympia office.

Whether you’re dealing with airway-related sleep problems, TMJ issues, craniofacial pain, or CPAP intolerance, the first step is a consultation.
During that visit, Dr. Russell will review your medical and dental history, talk through your symptoms, and understand your goals. This initial conversation helps determine if you’re a candidate for care here and what your next steps might be. In many cases, we can begin diagnostic imaging or treatment on the same day.

If you’d like to speak with our administrative team before booking, we’re happy to walk you through the process.

Scheduling

Have you experienced these frustrations?

Because our evaluations are thorough and our care is specialized, appointment times vary. Some may last an hour. Others may take two to three hours, especially when treatment begins the same day.
We encourage new patients to set aside enough time for the visit without feeling rushed. You’re also welcome to bring a spouse, parent, or support person if you find it helpful.

Office Hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Friday–Sunday: Closed

If you are in pain or experiencing an urgent issue, please let us know. We’ll do everything possible to see you promptly.

Your First Visit

This visit sets the tone for everything that comes next, and we treat it with the attention it deserves.

Once your consultation is scheduled, we’ll send you a secure link to complete your health history and intake forms online. If you’re unable to complete them in advance, please arrive 30 minutes early to fill them out in the office.

Your first appointment may include:

  • A consultation with Dr. Russell
  • A full review of symptoms, health history, and prior treatments
  • Clinical evaluation and/or imaging
  • Discussion of candidacy for care
  • Optional same-day treatment or diagnostic testing

Patient Registration

We offer separate registration processes for adult and pediatric patients. Once your consultation is scheduled, we’ll send the appropriate digital forms securely to your email.
If you have questions about the forms or prefer to fill them out in-office, let us know.

Insurance and Payment

We are an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice. That means we do not contract with insurance companies and are not bound by the limitations they place on providers. This allows us to offer the time, attention, and treatment options our patients deserve.

Here’s how we handle

insurance and payment:

Medical Insurance:
We do not bill directly to insurance, but we can often submit claims on your behalf (with the exception of Medicare, Tricare, and HMO plans). If your plan offers out-of-network reimbursement, any payment will be sent directly to you.
Payment Methods:
We accept all major credit cards, checks, and CareCredit. Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged.
Financing Options:
We offer third-party financing through CareCredit. Our team can walk you through the application process if needed.
We know navigating insurance can be frustrating. We’re here to help make the process easier, even if we don’t participate directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my medical insurance here?
We’re not in-network with any carriers, but we can help submit claims for potential reimbursement, except with the exception of Medicare, Tricare, and HMO plans.
Because we’d have to shorten visits, limit options, and reduce the quality of care to fit within their model. That’s not the kind of practice we run.
Yes. We offer CareCredit financing and can help you apply online or in our office.