By Dr. Christy Carosello PT, DPT
and Dr. Rachelle Sweeney PT, DPT
(Hint: you don't actually have to pay cash!)
Cash-based physical therapy (also know as fee for service or out of network physical therapy) eliminates insurance companies from dictating the care you receive.
What are the benefits of cash-based physical therapy services?
Cash-based physical therapy allows you to work with the provider of your choice on a 1:1 basis. Most insurance based clinics require their therapists to see multiple patients at the same time, so their attention is divided among several clients rather than solely focused on your needs. Also, with insurance based clinics, you will most likely see different therapists throughout your time, leading to inconsistent care.
You cut out a middle man or third party payer (aka your insurance company), which allows you to have more say in the frequency and number of your visits. Insurance companies can dictate the number of visits you are allowed to have, regardless of what you and your provider determine is best for meeting your goals. Insurance companies may deny certain treatment options limiting what services your therapist may provide.
You know exactly what you will be paying up front, no confusion over copays, coinsurence, or deductibles.
You will likely save money in the long run with fewer visits overall. Insurance-based clinics bill in 15 minute increments, which leads to bills in the $300-$500 range. If you are attending sessions on a 1-2 times per week basis, and are responsible for 20% of your bill, the price will add up quickly.
You have freedom to address multiple areas of the body throughout your episode of care, rather than depending on your insurance to approve a new plan of care if another issue arises. You also have more freedom in the types of treatment you receive. Insurance companies often deny physical therapy for certain diagnoses or situations. They often won't cover physical therapy related to wellness, prevention, or maintenance, as well as many Pelvic Floor conditions.
So do I actually pay cash?
At Mamas in Motion, we accept credit card, debit card, or FSA/HSA via our online booking portal (linked below). Many insurance companies (especially PPO plans) will offer partial to full reimbursement for Out of Network providers. We are happy to provide you with a worksheet to help you ask the right questions when reaching out to your insurance company to discuss reimbursement. If requested, we can also provide you with a Superbill after each session to give to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Take back control of your healthcare and find out if we are a good fit for you by scheduling your FREE 15 minute phone consultation today: https://mamasinmotionllc.janeapp.com/
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