Navigating the world of physical therapy can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding between in-network and out-of-network options. Understanding the costs and benefits of each can help you make the best choice for your health, fitness, and wallet.

Session Frequency and Time Commitment

One of the key differences between in-network and out-of-network physical therapy is the frequency of sessions. In-network PT typically requires 2-3 visits per week, while out-of-network PT usually necessitates only 1 visit per week. This difference can significantly impact your schedule and overall time commitment. 

With in-network therapy, you're looking at 8-12 visits per month, totaling around 24-36 visits over three months. This translates to 24-36 hours spent in therapy sessions alone. Add in the commute—an average of 20 minutes each way—and you're looking at an additional 16-24 hours spent traveling over the three months.

Out-of-network therapy, with just one visit per week, totals 4 visits per month or 12 visits over three months. This equals 12 hours in therapy sessions and only about 8 hours spent commuting. The reduced frequency of visits means you'll save a substantial amount of time—up to 40 hours over three months. This is time that you can reinvest into your personal life, work, or other activities that are important to you.

Personalized Care and One-on-One Attention

Another crucial factor to consider is the quality of care. Out-of-network physical therapists often provide more personalized and one-on-one attention compared to their in-network counterparts. In-network clinics, due to higher patient volumes and insurance constraints, may triple-book patients, leading to less individualized care. This can result in sessions where your therapist is splitting their attention among multiple patients, potentially impacting the quality of your treatment.

In contrast, out-of-network therapists typically focus on one patient at a time, tailoring each session to your specific needs and goals. This personalized approach can lead to more effective and efficient treatment, helping you achieve better results in fewer visits. The individualized attention ensures that every minute of your session is dedicated to your recovery, enhancing the overall quality of care you receive.

Cost Comparison

Let's extrapolate this out with some simple math! Take into consideration the exact example laid out above:

Over the course of a 3 month, or 12-week, bout of physical therapy, your out-of-pocket costs will likely not be much different going to and out-of-network provider like ALTR Performance & Physical Therapy than an in-network provider. PLUS, you have the added benefit of fewer hours spent in-clinic and much less time spent commuting to/from as a result. Time is money, and money is money; going out-of-network might just save you both!

And this is BEFORE any efforts towards seeking reimbursement for out-of-network services via our partners at Reimbursify!

It's a Difficult Choice. We Get It!

Choosing between in-network and out-of-network physical therapy involves weighing cost, time, and the level of personalized care. While in-network may seem cheaper per session, the frequency of visits and additional time commitment can add up. Out-of-network, despite higher per-session costs, offers fewer visits and more personalized care, ultimately saving time and potentially leading to quicker recovery.

Investing in out-of-network physical therapy might initially seem expensive but could offer better value in terms of time, convenience, and overall health outcomes. Consider your priorities and choose the option that aligns best with your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Book your FREE 15-Minute Phone Consultation today to find out how we can save you time and money!