Physical therapy can be an excellent service for recovering from an injury, chronic pain, or surgery, as well as improving your mobility and strength. When paying for physical therapy, many patients use their health insurance because it can typically lower the overall cost of your treatment. But what if you need or want physical therapy but do not have health insurance? You may worry about how to afford it, especially if you need it to recover from an injury or invasive procedure.
We work with our patients at EW Motion Therapy to find treatment options that fit any budget. Our ultimate goal for our patients is to help them succeed on their healthcare journey, even when there may be financial barriers. Even if you do not choose us for your treatment, we still want to offer some advice on the out-of-pocket cost of physical therapy.
This article will discuss the average out-of-pocket cost for physical therapy, factors that can influence the price, and some tips on saving money on your treatment. With this information, you can get the help you need while having a good idea of how much it will cost you.
What is my out-of-pocket cost?
Pricing for physical therapy can vary widely, but generally, you are looking to pay anywhere from $55 to $350 per session without health insurance. What you pay depends on the treatment interventions and the length of your session. For example, an initial evaluation may cost more than your regular visits, because of the complexity of the initial examination and interventions.
At EW, we typically charge between $55 and $155 out-of-pocket for our sessions, with our initial evaluations being the most expensive ($105-$155). It is important to know pricing upfront so you can plan accordingly and avoid later confusion.
What influences my cost?
Multiple factors can influence how much your treatment costs. Often, adding specialized procedures to your treatment, like dry needling, can increase your cost. Prices can also vary based on where you live, and your overall cost may be higher if you have a condition that warrants more frequent treatment. If you are recovering from a stroke, for example, you may need more sessions than someone who is recovering from an ankle sprain.
How can I save money?
With physical therapy, there are a few ways you can try to save money on your treatment. First and foremost, be open with your therapist about how much you can afford, and they will find a treatment plan that helps you feel better and fits your budget.
One way to decrease out-of-pocket costs is to rely more on your home exercise program to progress your treatment. You can start with an evaluation, where your therapist will develop your home exercise plan for you, and then you could schedule a check-up visit every couple of weeks or so. That way, you can still progress with your treatment without having to come into the clinic so often, which will save you money. You could even have your check-in visit virtually if you need that convenience. And if you need equipment for your home exercises, ask your therapist if they have used equipment they could sell or loan to you for the duration of your treatment.
Depending on what you need, you can also discuss a payment plan that fits your budget. Most clinics should be able to work with you so you can get the treatment you need.
How much would insurance cover?
Now you know more about the out-of-pocket costs surrounding physical therapy and some tips to save money. Health insurance typically lowers the cost of services. However, there are instances where an individual policy may limit coverage for physical therapy, or a deductible amount may be so high that it may make more financial sense for you to pay out-of-pocket. In that scenario, many clients may choose to pay out-of-pocket to take advantage of the tax benefits of a medical spending account. Read our physical therapy pricing guide for more information on how insurance can influence the cost of your treatment.
When you need physical therapy but think it will be difficult to afford, it can cause you mental and physical stress. At the end of the day, your therapist should be able to work with you to find a solution that helps you feel better and fits your budget. At EW Motion Therapy, that is our ultimate goal. If you are interested in our physical therapy programs, fill out the Request an Appointment form on our website, and someone from our staff will contact you within 48 hours with your next steps.
