![]() ![]() The study also shows the increased use of other services like additional diagnostic imaging and medication when the MRI is done prior to physical therapy.Ī recently published study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that the patients who were sent to a physical therapy consult were 35% less likely to be prescribed opioids, even if they didn’t keep up with physical therapy after the initial evaluation. Lastly, a 2015 Health Services Research study found that the average cost of care was shown to be $4,793 more if a patient had an MRI first vs. Those who delay receiving physical therapy and do not adhere to their treatment plan spend $6,000 per year on all kinds of healthcare. Low back pain patients who receive physical therapy immediately after the pain begins and adhere to their treatment plan spend $3,000 a year in associated healthcare costs. Heading directly to your physical therapist saves money – the right physical therapy within 14 days of the onset of pain minimizes the average total cost of care by 50%. That process alone can set you back a few insurance co-pays, not to mention a couple of weeks. In fact, a 2017 Merritt Hawkins study showed that the average wait time to see a physician is 24 days, up 30% from 2014. If you’re in pain, your first instinct is likely to pay a visit to your primary care physician, who may then refer you to an orthopedic specialist, who will write you a prescription for physical therapy. The Impact of Physical Therapy on Total Healthcare Costs This high-level breakdown helps shed some light on the gravity of healthcare costs, but there are other factors to consider. Here’s how the cost of physical therapy stacks up against other means of frequently prescribed interventions: ![]() Not only do most insurance providers cover physical therapy, but it has also been proven to reduce medical costs by diminishing the need for unnecessary medication, imaging scans, or surgeries. Physical therapy is a cost-effective treatment designed to get you back on your feet quickly and with lasting results. Is the Cost of Physical Therapy Worth It? ![]()
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