Why Choose Physical Therapy?

This blog post is all about what a doctor of physical therapy is. It also gives a description on our model of physical therapy care.

What really is a Physical Therapist?

Nowadays, graduating from an accredited physical therapy program means that an individual has obtained a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Physical therapists are highly trained movement experts, with a wide variety of knowledge about human anatomy and how us humans use our anatomy on a daily basis. There are multiple research studies that show Doctors of Physical Therapy have a better understanding of recognizing and managing musculoskeletal conditions than non-orthopedic specialized physicians, residents, and physician interns (1,2). That being said, as DPT’s, we are specialists in physical health. If you have been told physical therapy only benefits individuals injured or in pain, that is false. The truth is, everyone can benefit from seeing a Doctor of Physical Therapy. In short, we analyze your movements and help you to optimize your physical performance in whatever you do both inside and outside of our doors. At the Movement Junction Physical Therapy Services, we are passionate about representing the title, Doctor of Physical Therapy well by holding our team to the highest standard, resulting in the best possible outcomes. 

What does “out-of-network” or “cash-based” physical therapy mean and why choose it?

Receiving “Out of Network” or “Cash-Based” care means the healthcare provider does not have a formal contract with any insurance companies. Instead, services are covered by the client and, if interested and depending on specific insurance plan benefits, may have the option to receive financial reimbursement from your insurance. Many are programmed to believe insurance-based care is the best way since the OON or cash-based model appears the more expensive route. Let’s debunk this and run some numbers.

Example 1: Most copays for PT visits while using insurance lie in the ballpark of $25. If you go to your local “in network” clinic, chances are you’ll be prescribed therapy 2-3 times per week.

Most likely in those sessions, you will receive only 15-30 minutes of direct one-on-one time with a DPT. The other time will be filled with unsupervised exercise and modalities like ice or heat packs. So…

15 minutes of direct time per week x 2 sessions = 30 minutes / week

30 minutes x 8 weeks: totaling 240 direct minutes with DPT

With The Movement Junction PT philosophy, you will always get at least 45-60 minutes (depending on your personalized plan) of direct time with a Doctor of Physical Therapy per session. When you are here, YOU are the priority. No overlapping appointments, you are the sole focus. On top of this good news, there is more. Our modalities go far beyond an ice or cold pack, optimizing your time and energy with certified techniques that help you actually get results. But, back to the math…

60 minutes of direct time x 4 visits = 240 direct minutes with DPT.

So you’re saying I can get the same amount of personalized care and direct time with a Doctor of Physical Therapy in just 4 visits (personalized timeline) at the Movement Junction PT compared to 8 weeks of physical therapy at an in-network clinic? The answer is a resounding yes. 

No more 15 minute appointments where you can’t even get a question in or just get sent to the elliptical. Though intentions of in-network services are good, you deserve better. Not to mention, insurance companies often dictate how many visits they will pay for and what treatments are/are not warranted in each and every client’s plan of care. At The Movement Junction Physical Therapy Services, we work for our clients. Not for the insurance companies. 

If you want direct, personalized, high quality care, we are for you. Let’s come up with a plan that serves YOU. 

References 

1. Childs, John D., et al. “A Description of Physical Therapists’ Knowledge in Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, vol. 6, June 2005, p. 32. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-6-32

   
   

2. Moore, Josef H., et al. “Clinical Diagnostic Accuracy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients Referred by Physical Therapists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Nonorthopaedic Providers.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, vol. 35, no. 2, Feb. 2005, pp. 67–71. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2005.35.2.67.