Why Out-of-Network PT May be Right for You

Have you been injured, in pain, and gone for physical therapy – only to spend maybe 10 minutes each session with the physical therapist?  Was an aide walking you through what felt like “cookie-cutter” exercises?  Did you improve, but not by much?

What would you say if I told you top quality, more effective, truly personalized physical therapy care was possible and it wouldn’t cost you more?  Interested?

Here’s the ugly secret about how insurance is dictating your health and what you can do about it.

So many patients like yourself will often turn to a specific health care provider without knowing that the well-intentioned provider is straight-jacketed by a system that doesn’t allow them the time to provide quality care.  With insurance companies decreasing reimbursement for physical therapy services, larger physical therapy companies consistently overschedule patients in order to make money.  In these settings, physical therapists are routinely seeing  3, 4, even 5 patients per hour.  With such tight scheduling there is no way the physical therapist can truly assess your changing needs or provide the quality care you want and deserve.  Take it from me.  I’ve been there!  I know that model and it truly doesn’t work.

Did you know that the insurance companies also cut patients off from physical therapy when they determine the patients are “good enough.”  This is often against the recommendation of the your physical therapist and physician. 

There is an answer! 

Seeing a fee-for-service provider, or going “out of network” can help you find a PT who can treat you and work for you, without having to jump through the hoops set by insurance companies. This allows PTs to provide the care they know is best for you, spend time assessing your movement, create custom exercises tailored to your goals, and progress you each visit.

I know – you are thinking, “How can I afford this?”

Avoiding insurance sounds like it will be expensive, but it can actually save you money in the long run. When you take into account the improved speed at which you will get better, avoiding unnecessary medical appointments, imaging, etc, you often times come out ahead financially while also feeling better. 

With an insurance based provider, the initial visits are often more expensive if you are paying down your deductible.  Did you know that with an “out of network” provider you can submit superbills to your insurance company which will count toward your deductible, all while receiving better care?  You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for your appointment in a tax effective way.

Additionally, you can submit paperwork provided by your PT to your insurance company for potential reimbursement depending on your out of network benefits. 

Don’t let insurance companies get in the way of your health! The insurance system isn’t working for you.  Consider going “out of network” to find the best, personalized, quality care that will get you better, faster.