Concierge PT vs. Insurance-based PT

The Physical Therapy world works in many different ways and in many different settings. Most people have a very limited view of what physical therapy actually is. Physical Therapists (PT’s) work in multiple settings such as hospitals, acute rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient orthopedic clinics, sports teams, and even in-home! PT’s also work with many different populations such as athletes, people who have just had surgery, chronic pain, concussions, migraines and headaches, dizziness and vertigo, balance, trauma, people with neurological diseases and injuries, wound care, oncology patients, and many more!

So how does PT work? Most PT is covered by health insurance, but has many limitations such as limited PT options, getting authorization, obtaining a physician’s referral, limited number of visits, constant battling of what they pay for, and it actually limits the quality of PT you get as a patient due to time constraints. Many clinics are going to a cash-based or concierge system of payment. This means there are no insurance companies involved (but you can still be reimbursed - more on this later). The patient pays in full upfront. So, why choose this when I have medical insurance? Well, this allows the PT to provide 1-on-1 direct treatment, spend optimal time with the patient, and provide the best care you can get from a PT. 

More benefits include:

  1. Get better quicker - it has been shown that when people pay for their care, they actually get better faster! Think “skin in the game”. 

  2. Reduced number of visits overall (instead of coming 2-3x/wk, coming 1x/wk).

  3. No assistants or aides - you are always 1-on-1 with the Physical Therapist. 

  4. More time with your PT - no shorting you of your valuable time. 

  5. Manual therapy/Hands-on work is always included. 

  6. Choice in where you want to go. 

  7. No cookie cutter treatment - individualized programs.

  8. No body part limits - if another body part hurts, we can treat it!

You can still be reimbursed by your insurance company after your visit. Our clinic can provide a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance company. A superbill is a coded-bill that contains the same medical codes that would be billed to your insurance, but instead of the clinic billing, the patient bills. Oftentimes, reimbursement from insurance companies to the individual patient is actually better than what clinics get reimbursed. It’s a WIN-WIN! We have resources available to help you through the process of billing your insurance company as well to make the process as easy as possible!

At Pacific Standard Physical Therapy, you get the best quality PT at an affordable rate. You will be happier as a patient to spend the most time with a qualified professional rather than being handed off to an aide or assistant. Your PT is your PT every step of the way! If you have more questions about concierge PT or how the insurance system works, please feel free to email me at pacificstandardpt@gmail.com

You can also inquire about appointments at pacificstandardpt@gmail.com too! Don’t forget about our virtual Balance Class offered on Wednesday morning’s at 9am!

All the best!!

Justin LaLonde, DPT


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