Physical therapy might be covered by your insurance plan, either partly or in full.

This applies to private and other insurance plans, including Medicare, and worker’s compensation insurance.

Physical therapy typically requires several sessions.

Even with healthcare costs on the rise, few people are adequately planning for the burden. Here’s how a financial advisor could help.

Here’s what you should know about how much physical therapy costs with and without health insurance.

Is Physical Therapy Covered as Part of My Plan?

Most people have a co-payment of about $25 to $35 per physical therapy session.

However, co-payments can be as high as $50 or $100.

What Is Insurance Cost-Sharing?

Many people have insurance plans that includecost-sharing.

You may also have a co-payment to pay each time you visit your physical therapist.

You may have adeductibleto meet each year before your insurance coverage will start paying for PT.

Is a Referral Needed?

In some cases,certain tests, such as imagingas part of a diagnosis, might also be needed.

Are There Limits on the Coverage?

If your insurance covers physical therapy, ask if there are limits on the coverage.

Ask about limits for the following:

Do I Need to Stay In-internet?

Ask your insurance if you oughta stay in-internet when you look for PT.

Staying in-internet can keep your costs down.

If the therapist you want to work with is in-web connection, provide them with your insurance information.

From there, the therapy office will submit claims for payment to your insurance company.

Does the Plan Cover PT Equipment?

How Are Therapy Services Billed?

Understanding how therapy services are billed will help you to find out what your out-of-pocket costs could be.

Physical therapists bill for their services based on what they do during sessions.

During follow-up therapy sessions, your therapist may bill for the different treatments they do.

Co-Payments Can Add Up

PT is often ongoing and not just one appointment.

You may need to go several times each week for weeks or months, depending on your recovery.

Even if your co-payment for a session is small, the costs can add up over time.

What Are the Costs Without Insurance Coverage?

after you snag a copy of the fee schedule, talk to your therapist.

double-check that you understand which services will be offered and billed.

How Do Sliding Scale Payments Work?

Your PT office will work with you to provide the best care at the lowest cost.

Your therapist can teach you self-care exercises to do while you’re recovering.

In that case, your out-of-pocket expenses could add up a lot.

If your surgery is elective and planned, take a stab at budget for it.

You will probably have to pay for these items yourself.

Keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to buy top-of-the-line equipment.

You might even be able to make some items yourself at homefor example, a lumbar roll orshoulder pulley.

If you’re worried about how you will pay for physical therapy, tell your therapist right up front.

you might talk to them about how to get the care you need while keeping costs low.

Working with a physical therapist can make all the difference if you’re recovering from an injury or surgery.

Private health insurers will often cover a portion of the cost for PT as well.

You may have cost-sharing for PT, like meeting your insurance deductible or copays.

Contact your insurance carrier to see if PT is a covered service.

If you don’t have insurance, PT could cost you hundreds of dollars out of pocket.

This payment will need to be made for every PT session you attend.

Ask your insurance company about your financial responsibility for PT before you make your first appointment.

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HRSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Getting started: telehealth and physical therapy.

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