Why Cash-Based Pediatric Physical Therapy is Beneficial for Your Family

As a pediatric physical therapist who has transitioned from an insurance-based to a cash-based practice, I've experienced the benefits this change can offer to my patients and their families. From shorter wait lists to more quality time with the provider, there are many reasons why you might consider a cash-based PT for your child’s needs.

Quicker access to care: 

In traditional insurance-based clinics, wait lists can be long, and the longer your child waits for therapy, the more sessions they may need. This ultimately increases the total cost of treatment. In contrast, cash-based practices typically have shorter wait lists, allowing for quicker access to care. This timely intervention can lead to more effective outcomes and may reduce the overall number of sessions needed.

Smaller caseload:

Cash-based practices often mean therapists manage a smaller caseload. This setup allows me to spend more quality time with each patient without the pressure of meeting insurance quotas or spending excessive time on paperwork. This focused approach leads to personalized care tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Deductibles:

High deductible health plans are becoming increasingly common. Often, families find that even when using insurance-covered services, they must pay out of pocket until their deductible is met. Interestingly, many insurance plans cover a significant portion of out-of-network services after the deductible is reached. In a cash-based setting, the entire amount paid can potentially be applied towards your deductible using a "super bill," which I provide for insurance reimbursement purposes.

Use of time:

During my seven years in insurance-based clinics, I spent countless hours managing documentation, diagnosis codes, and procedure codes to meet stringent insurance standards. The amount of time spent communicating with insurance companies and addressing denials was overwhelming and distracted from the quality care I could provide.

Better efficiency:

Since transitioning to a cash-based model, I've found that insurance companies tend to process claims more efficiently when submitted by patients rather than providers. This change has allowed me to focus more on what truly matters—providing high-quality care. My administrative hours are now devoted to treatment planning and collaborating with other specialists, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive, coordinated care.

Switching to a cash-based practice has empowered me to offer undivided attention and superior care to my families. If you’re considering pediatric physical therapy for your child, think about the benefits of a cash-based model. It might be more conducive to receiving efficient, effective, and personalized care, setting your child on a quicker path to improvement.

For parents navigating these decisions, remember that every choice you make towards your child's health is a step in bettering their future. If you have any questions or need further information about how cash-based physical therapy might benefit your child, click HERE to reach out.