There are different reasons why patients need to visit a physical therapist. Many specialists in this field assist patients with much more than just alleviating pain or recuperating from major injuries.
When seeking out physical therapy services, it’s essential to understand the different types of therapy or treatment, what they can do for you, including how much a session or an entire program costs.
Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapy services are provided by licensed physical therapists. A qualified therapist can offer a wide range of therapeutic services to their patients, such as creating a treatment plan for resolution of your illness or injury, managing chronic pain and developing fitness programs.
The most basic physical therapy service is to apply therapeutic methods for relieving chronic pain/conditions and strengthen and improve your body’s range of motion and flexibility. A licensed physical therapist has training in performing rehabilitation treatment and recommends special, hands-on care and specific exercises that can alleviate pain while strengthening muscles that were weakened due to injury or health condition.
There are two primary types of physical therapy programs offered to patients: outpatient or inpatient. Outpatient therapy involves a scheduled visit of the patient to the physical therapist’s clinic for a specific number of hours, depending on the treatment plan recommended for recovery. Physical therapy services are also offered to patients requiring a facility admission.
When you seek physical therapy services, you will need to discuss the diagnosis, treatment methods/options, and expected outcome of your injury or illness with your therapist. In most situations, you will also be given a list of resources (such as books, websites, and therapists’ newsletters) that can help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle while recovering.
As your therapy progresses, you and your therapist will go over your personalized treatment plan to ensure that you are getting the best possible care while recuperating from your illness or injury. Many physical therapy services offer continuing education programs to give their patients a chance to learn new techniques and exercises to maintain a healthy lifestyle even after they have recovered. You and your physical therapist can work together to create an individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs so you can get back to living life to the fullest.
In-Home Physical Therapy
One of the unique services offered by rehabilitation programs is in-home physical therapy. In-home physical therapy services usually include assessment, exercise programs, and supervised instructions done in your home or other private location. This type of service is very convenient because the therapist can monitor them and follow the treatment plan while you are in your comfort zone. And because you are not in a hospital or a rehabilitation facility, you do not have to worry about the cost of additional fees or other expenses that come with being admitted for treatment. When choosing an in-home physical therapy service provider, make sure to ask if they are accredited for the treatment procedures included in their offer.
How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost?
On average, physical therapy services can cost about $80 to $150 per session. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, the price range can go within or above the average rates. The hourly rate also varies on the service type in a session, such as assessment, evaluation, treatment, etc.
If you have questions about which treatments are covered and want to know all your options, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your condition. Physical therapists often work with patients on a one-to-one basis, and you should be able to get personalized care with the help of a reputable physical therapist.
Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy Services?
Insurance policies typically cover physical therapy services. An estimate of expected costs must be provided for all types of services offered. An assessment might include one to three years of estimated costs associated with the treatment plan.
To receive this benefit, a physical therapist must meet the following requirements:
- Licensed in the state in which the program is offered.
- The minimum supervised years of experience as a physical therapy assistant or a physical therapist in the state.
- He or she must be certified by the insurance company as a physical therapy professional who meets the specific criteria mentioned above.
When the insurance company evaluates the continuation of funding for a patient, treatment progress is not the only factor considered. Actual expenses for treatment must be estimated to determine the exact treatment costs. The insurance company requests documentation of an estimate of anticipated charges from the facility. They perform an expenditure analysis before applying for coverage to ensure that the application does not contain any inaccurate information. Moreover, they can directly coordinate with the facility for all the requirements in claiming your benefits.
Out-of-Network Physical Therapy
Some insurance providers allow patients to get a therapist who is not participating in their health insurance plan if they so choose. However, you may have to spend on medical expenses not covered by your insurance plan with an out-of-network physical therapist. This arrangement can be particularly burdensome, especially with expensive long-term treatment costs.
Going outside of the network usually means that you can select to see a physical therapist that isn’t a participating provider with the insurance company. While this may mean higher out-of-pocket costs, several benefits go along with this type of therapy.
One of the primary benefits of using this type of service is having a more comprehensive range of options to get the best physical therapy care. You can access a long list of specialists who can provide the kind of treatment you need.
Physical Therapist in Wisconsin
Are you looking for expert physical therapy services in Wisconsin? Trimotion Therapy is a Physical Therapy & Health and Education Center for Women and Children specializing in complex, chronic conditions, chronic pain, and women’s health challenges. Visit us here to learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation!