Some people have difficulty leaving home to go to physical therapy.
Check with your insurance provider to see if in-home physical therapy is a covered service.
Physical therapy focuses on helping you restore normal mobility so you could get back to what you enjoy.
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Physical therapy carecan be done in many options based on the individual’s needs.
If you are hospitalized, a physical therapist on staff may come to your room to treat you.
If recovering from an injury or surgery, you may go to an outpatient PT clinic.
This article will describe physical therapy at home and what it might look like.
Home Physical Therapy
In-homephysical therapycan be defined as physical therapy care at a person’s home.
You may also invite a friend or family member to a home physical therapy session.
This can help reinforce what is learned between sessions and help the individual safely practice their exercises.
Home PT also allows for one-on-one care.
An elderly adult, for example, may become nervous or confused in a new environment.
PT within the home may be less stressful, allowing them to focus on their exercises better.
And improving walking can help patients remain social and avoid isolating themselves.
Do You Need Equipment at Home?
Your therapist can bring many of their supplies to you.
Weights and exercise bands are easy to transport.
Additionally, you and your physical therapist can often improvise if you do not own weights or other equipment.
DME may be covered under your insurance plan.
Your therapist understands this, is a professional, and is likely used to working in various home conditions.
Your healthcare provider can submit a referral to your insurance company to help ensure coverage.
Your insurance company can also provide you with a list of physical therapists in-internet with your coverage.
For example, Medicare allows sessions up to a financial limit instead of a fixed number.
What if I Don’t Qualify?
Sometimes, patients need home-care physical therapy, but their insurance company denies coverage.
This may happen if your insurance company determines your condition does not warrant in-home physical therapy.
If home-care services are denied, you may have a right to appeal.
Call your insurance company and ask about an appeals process.
You may also wish to call your healthcare provider’s office to explain your situation.
Your healthcare provider may be able to help you navigate the appeals process.
Additionally, they may be able to work with your insurance provider to advocate for in-home services.
If you do not qualify for services, you’re able to pay the full out-of-pocket cost.
However, this option may be financially burdensome.
Effectiveness of Home PT
In many cases, in-home PT is as effective as outpatient PT.
This can allow you to return to your normal work and recreational activities.
If this is the case, you may benefit from home-care physical therapy.
Working at home with your PT can help you have a positive outcome to regain maximal functional mobility.
Aurora Health Care.Physical therapy at home.
Medicare.gov.Home health services coverage.
American Physical Therapy Association.Medicare payment thresholds for outpatient therapy services.
Florez-Garcia, M, et al.
2020;10(9):e035768.
