Why Choose Self-Pay PT and How to Find a Good PT for You

When I started in my career as a PT several years ago, I don’t think I knew what my days would look like and definitely was not ready for what they turned out to be. Depending on the state and insurance reimbursement rate, some PTs may be asked to see two, three, or even 4 patients an hour just to keep the clinic open. That’s just the patients seen by a PT, not taking into account all the extra after-hours work that is involved with each patient: writing the notes, communicating with doctors or insurance reps, and spending time prepping for the next day’s or week’s patients. How is all that supposed to fit in to a week?

            The quantity of patients needing to be seen each day is the main reason a lot of physical therapists are getting burnt out and leaving the profession. Helping people is why every therapist I know chose this field, and when you feel like you can’t fulfill your main purpose it’s difficult to keep going and going and going. For me, that’s why starting my own practice and avoiding insurance was the right move.

            Being a cash-based PT gives me the freedom to offer each of my clients my full, undivided attention during every appointment. It allows me time to make sure I’m ready for every one of those appointments and bringing my best so you can get better faster, and get back to doing what you love. It means I don’t have to tell people we can’t really treat your knee because you’re here for a shoulder injury and those “aren’t related” (if it’s connected to you, it’s related to everything else). Not to mention that insurance typically limits how many visits you can use, and you’ll still have a copay or coinsurance that can add up to the same or more than self-pay. When choosing self-pay, you can even get reimbursed by your insurance company most times by submitting a superbill from your PT!

            Some people will do just fine at an insurance-based clinic because there are good PTs at many of them and they work their asses off for their patients. I was one of them and vouch for my colleagues. Some people don’t need 100% undivided attention to run through exercises with pretty good form and a distant set of eyes. Some people would rather come in for treatment and get out of there without a conversation or a connection. But a lot of people want more out of PT, and why wouldn’t you want the best when it comes to your health and healthcare providers?

            So to recap why self-pay PT takes your therapy to the next level:

1.     Undivided attention at 1 on 1 appointments – allowing for better adjustments within and between sessions.

2.     Less mentally fatigued PTs who can bring their A-game to every one of your sessions, so that you get better faster!

3.     Full body focus – no more finishing up one body part just so you can go back for another multi-week course of care.

4.     Better connection – your PT can really get to know you, the things you love to do, and your goals.

5.     You can still get reimbursed from your insurance company because your PT can give you a superbill to submit.

With that in mind, you still need to find the right PT for you. And as with everything today, there are endless options. Insurance-based clinics might be best for you or you may want all of the benefits that come from 1 on 1 care with the self-pay option. As you look for a PT, there are a few questions that may help you find the right fit.

1.     Will I be the only patient my PT is seeing during my appointment?

2.     Am I going to be scheduled with other therapists, or only with the PT who does my evaluation?

3.     What is my general plan going to look like? (Honestly, it can be pretty tough to give clients specific recommendations without an actual assessment. Just ask my family members!)

4.     Are you able to give me an estimate of how much this will cost each session?

5.     Do your PTs have any specialties, or have they seen a lot of people with my concern?

6.     Will your PTs communicate with my doctor about my care if needed?

These are probably the biggest questions I would be looking to have answered as a patient, but there are certainly others that may mean more to you. If a potential physical therapist or clinic can’t give you straight answers or at least viable explanations why they aren’t able, then I’d be more likely to shop around for someone who can and better fits with your goals.

Chime in on Instagram or Facebook and let me know if there are any other questions you think are important to ask!