Why Cash Based?
What does Cash Based Mean?
Cash-based physical therapy is a model where patients pay for physical therapy services directly, out-of-pocket, rather than using health insurance to cover the costs. In this model, patients typically pay the full fee for each session or a package of sessions upfront or at the time of service.
Cash-based physical therapy practices often prioritize longer treatment sessions, more personalized care, and one-on-one attention compared to traditional insurance-based practices, which may have limitations on treatment duration and frequency due to insurance regulations. This model allows therapists more flexibility in treatment options and may lead to more individualized care tailored to the patient's specific needs. It can also give patients more control over their treatment and potentially reduce administrative overhead for both the therapist and the patient.
Why Go to a Cash Based Facility?
1. High-Quality Care: Cash-based clinics prioritize quality of care over quantity of patients. Therapists can focus on delivering evidence-based practices, staying updated with the latest advancements in physical therapy, and investing in continuing education to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients. No longer the times of working with aides and assistants, patients engage in one-on-one treatment sessions with the expert the whole session.
2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Cash-based clinics typically offer more personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and goals. Without the constraints of insurance policies dictating treatment protocols, therapists can focus solely on what is best for the patient's recovery.
3. Longer Treatment Sessions but less Treatment Sessions needed: Unlike insurance-based clinics where treatment sessions may be limited by insurance coverage, cash-based clinics often provide longer sessions. This allows therapists to dedicate more time to hands-on therapy, education, and exercise instruction; Leading to more comprehensive care and quicker and better outcomes.
4. Greater Therapist-Patient Interaction: With fewer administrative burdens and paperwork associated with insurance billing, therapists in cash-based clinics can spend more time interacting with patients. This fosters stronger therapeutic relationships, enhances communication, and ensures a better understanding of the patient's progress and needs.
5. Flexibility in Treatment Approaches: Without insurance restrictions, cash-based clinics have the flexibility to incorporate alternative and complementary therapies that may not be covered by insurance. This can include techniques such as dry needling, manual therapy, or specialized exercise programs tailored to specific patient needs.
6. Reduced Administrative Hassles: Cash-based clinics often have simpler administrative processes compared to insurance-based clinics. Patients experience less paperwork, NO pre-authorizations, and NO claim denials, resulting in a smoother and more efficient experience overall.
7. Focus on Preventative Care and Wellness: Cash-based clinics often emphasize preventative care and wellness initiatives, aiming to educate patients on injury prevention, lifestyle modifications, and strategies for long-term health and wellness. This proactive approach can help patients achieve lasting improvements in function and quality of life beyond their immediate rehabilitation goals.
8. It May Actually Save You Money!: Quality over Quantity again. Copays, deductibles, and insurance prices continue to increase year after year. And usually with less and less covered. It is truly remarkable and sad to see the costs insurance companies are demanding for what they cover.
In an insurance-care based clinic patients on average are in PT for 8-12 weeks at 2-3 visits per week with a copay of $25-75 per visit. That's an average of $1250 for their care. And if the patient is lucky, the patient will be able to be with their physical therapist for 15-20 minutes of each of their visits. That's a lot of money and time for the little reward.
If that patient instead chooses a cash based PT practice that charges $150/visit and needs only 6 visits, they are looking at $900 for their care along with complete 1-on-1 time with their physical therapist. In turn receiving stronger theraputic alliance between provider and patient, education, and overall care. That's a substantial difference in not only savings of money, but time as well!