From pain to inflammation, different muscle issues warrant attention. Some problems may seem negligible, but the longer you ignore them, the worse the potential consequences will be. For your peace of mind, the best thing to do is consult with a medical professional. This way, you’ll know the best potential remedy. In most cases, this could include physical therapy.
While physical therapy can indeed be effective in addressing muscle strain, there’s often one hindrance – its cost. Depending on the extent of the therapy, it can be expensive, making the treatment inaccessible. This is when most people will turn to their health insurance. Keep on reading as we discuss the ins and outs of insurance and physical therapy for your muscle issues.
Understanding Muscle Issues and the Role of Physical Therapy
Muscle issues are more than just a pain in the neck, back, or leg. They’re debilitating conditions that can drastically affect your life. You might find it hard to walk, work, or even enjoy simple pleasures. Whether it’s a hamstring pull from a soccer game or chronic back pain from years at a desk, these problems often require professional help.
But what exactly is physical therapy? It uses manual therapy for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The goal is not just relief but recovery. The aim is to restore your body’s functions and movements, ideally, to pre-injury status.
Physical therapy relies on various techniques. There are stretching routines, strength-building exercises, and even high-tech interventions like ultrasound and laser therapy.
The Cost of Physical Therapy
It’s impossible to give an accurate number when it comes to the cost of physical therapy. Several factors will come into play. For instance, a heavy influence would be your location, as well as the type of therapy that you need. The qualifications and experience of the therapist or clinic are also vital factors.
In most cases, however, an initial evaluation will cost anywhere from $150 to $500. Most of the time, it’s cheaper if you do it in a private office compared to a hospital facility. Meanwhile, the follow-up visit can range from $80 to $400.
Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy?
Your health insurance may cover physical therapy, but this is dependent on many factors. For instance, it depends on what the policy dictates. The best thing to do is to revisit the policy or call an insurer before you book a physical therapy session.
Most health insurance policies will cover physical therapy for muscle pain, but you need to meet several conditions. One of the most common requirements is that physical therapy must be a medical necessity. In addition, you might be required to secure a referral from a primary care provider or relevant medical personnel to prove that you need to undergo physical therapy. Instead of a referral, a signed plan of care may also be a requirement.
But there are also instances when a referral may not be necessary. For instance, this could be the case when you have PPO insurance. Looking at PPO insurance meaning can help you understand what you’re eligible for. Basically, under such a plan, you can avail of specialist services even in the absence of a referral.
Another potential requirement for health insurance to cover physical therapy for muscle strain is a pre-certification or prior authorization. This means that the clinic will submit a notice to the insurance company, asking if they will cover the physical therapy treatment.
More so, depending on your policy, you might need to first meet the deductible. For those who are unfamiliar, a deductible refers to the amount that the policyholder needs to pay before the insurance coverage kicks in. For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and the cost of physical therapy is $2,000. This means that you have to pay $1,000 first, and after this, the insurer will pay $1,000 to settle your obligation. The problem, however, is that many deductibles these days are often too high.
Tips for Making Treatment More Affordable
Even if your health insurance covers physical therapy for muscle pain, it’s critical to have a proactive approach. Uncover different ways to save money without compromising the outcome of the treatment.
Consult Multiple Professionals
Do not immediately settle after an initial consultation with one medical professional. It might seem counter-productive, but you might want to consider getting a second opinion. This way, you can gather more insights into what can be implemented in a holistic care plan. You might end up uncovering cheaper and more effective treatments.
Online Consultations
We’re living in a digital era where a lot of things are done online, including medical consultations. Instead of having a face-to-face session with a therapist to treat muscle injuries, consider a virtual meeting instead. This can help you not only save money but also time. However, take note that this may not always be the best choice, especially during therapy sessions when you need professional guidance.
Utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs)
An HSA is a tax-advantaged account for individuals with high-deductible health plans, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars for medical expenses like physical therapy. On the other hand, an FSA is an employer-sponsored benefit that also uses pre-tax earnings for medical costs but usually requires you to spend the funds within a specified timeframe or lose them. Both accounts can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for physical therapy, acting as financial cushions in your treatment journey.
Bundle Packages
Some insurance policies might offer wellness packages as a bundle, instead of having physical therapy as a separate service. This is not only a cost-efficient treatment for muscle strain. You can also take advantage of other services that can be equally beneficial for your overall health and well-being. These packages can include gym memberships and acupuncture, among others.
Wrapping Up
Muscle issues can be debilitating, both physically and mentally. Not to mention, it can also be financially draining. Luckily, it can be covered by your insurance, especially when it is tagged as medically necessary or when there’s a referral from a primary care provider.
Written by Amy Barlett (amy@amybartlett.com)
