Cash Based vs Insurance Based Physical Therapy

I wanted to write a quick blog on my thoughts about cash vs insurance based PT. I have a cash based PT business while being in the process of credentialing with insurances. I have seen the motivation behind some physical therapists starting cashed based businesses because they can provide “better” services. As a whole I don’ think that is necessarily true. You can have poor care in a cash based setting and also in an insurance based setting. You can have good and bad PT’s on both sides of the isle.

My thought is that it potentially can be considered just a different service. In a insurance based setting you are bound to what an individual’s insurance will allow you to bill for and how many visits they are authorized for. Most of the time though you can provide the care necessary that is going to get people better. Cash based care allows more flexibility, less red tape, no hoops to jump through. The administrative side is easier for the PT and sometimes the client.

As I learn more about both options I try to view the cash based service as just different, not better or worse. The therapist can work on multiple body parts, patients don’t need referrals, and they can come in and out as needed. It typically comes down to each clients needs and resources available.

Both options can serve a purpose.