Why You Should Choose Physical Therapy Even if It’s Not Covered by Insurance
You might be wondering: “If my insurance covers physical therapy, why would I pay for it out of pocket?” It’s a fair question, and I’m here to explain why cash-based physical therapy could be one of the best investments in your health.
Why the Move to Cash-Based Care?
Over the years, insurance reimbursement rates for physical therapy have been on the decline. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) often set the tone for these rates, and unfortunately, they keep threatening to cut them further. This puts a lot of strain on physical therapy practices and makes it harder for therapists to provide the level of care they want to.
To make ends meet, many insurance-based clinics have had to make tough financial choices—like shortening appointments or relying more on support staff. That means less one-on-one time with your therapist and, frankly, lower-quality care. On top of that, insurance companies often dictate what treatments they’ll cover (or not cover), even if your therapist knows something else would work better for you. They might also limit how long you can stay in therapy, even when you still need it, or force therapists to focus on just one part of your body instead of treating you holistically.
So, what’s the alternative? Cash-based physical therapy.
How Cash-Based Therapy Benefits You
Choosing a cash-based therapist means choosing someone who has complete freedom to focus on you and your unique needs. Without insurance companies setting the rules, your therapist can:
Spend more one-on-one time with you during each session.
Create a customized treatment plan tailored to your whole body, not just one area.
Use the techniques and treatments they know will work best for you.
In short, you’ll get longer, more personalized sessions that are all about helping you reach your goals.
Why Quality of Care Matters
When it comes to your health, quality matters. Think about it: Would you rather have quick, impersonal visits dictated by insurance rules or longer, focused sessions where your therapist has the time and freedom to do what’s best for you? Cash-based physical therapy prioritizes your care and well-being above all else.
So, while it might feel like a leap to pay for physical therapy out of pocket, the benefits—better care, faster recovery, and personalized attention—are well worth it. When you invest in high-quality care, you’re investing in you.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you have questions about how it all works or want to learn more about how I can help, feel free to reach out. Your health and recovery are my top priority, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adriana is the co-owner of Jiu Jitsu Therapy and the owner of APM Physical Therapy. As a physical therapist board-certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, a certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Brown Belt, she has the knowledge and experience to help get you back on your feet and better than before
Working with both rehabilitation programs and providing strength, conditioning, and nutrition support, Adriana cares deeply about your health and treating you as a human. At APM Physical therapy you’ll receive one-on-one physical therapy focused on your unique goals.