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 |  | With Health Insurance: $10-$75 Copay or 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $50-$350+ |
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Physical therapy can include exercise, massage or other treatments. Reasons a patient might seek physical therapy include injury, need for rehabilitation after surgery, and conditions or diseases that can affect movement, such as arthritis or cancer.
Typical costs: | - For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a copay of $10-$75 per session or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more. Physical therapy typically is covered by health insurance when medically necessary.
- For patients not covered by health insurance, physical therapy typically costs $50-$350 or more per session, depending on the length of the session, the service provided during the session and the provider. Physical therapy provided in a hospital setting tends to be more expensive.
- Total cost can range from hundreds of dollars for a relatively minor issue, such as a routine sports injury, that might require several sessions, up to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for a major problem, such as rehabilitation from a serious accident or major surgery that might require several sessions per week for months. For example, Baudendistel Physical Therapy[1] charges $100 for an initial evaluation and $75 for each one-hour physical therapy session. Kathe Wallace Physical Therapy[2] in Washington charges $165-$205 for a one-hour initial evaluation, $112 for appointments less than 45 minutes and $150 for a session of 50 to 55 minutes. Elite PT[3] in Delaware and Maryland charges $150 for a biomechanical evaluation and $65 for 30 minutes of skilled massage. Akron General Hospital[4] in Ohio charges, for each 15-minutes: $51 for home/self-care training, $78 for gait training, $97 for exercise, $100 for massage and $132 for manual electrical stimulation or neuro-muscular re-education -- for a total of $204-$528 per hour.
Related articles: Massage, Personal Trainer, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - The physical therapist typically will do an initial assessment that lasts an hour or longer to examine the patient and determine a course of treatment.
- After that, the frequency, length and type of treatment depend on the patient and the problem being treated. Types of physical therapy that might be performed include exercises to improve strength, coordination and balance; manual therapy, such as massage, to decrease pain and improve flexibility and circulation; and other treatments, such as hydrotherapy, ultrasound treatments and electrical stimulation.
- WebMD offers a guide to physical therapy[5] .
Additional costs: | - Depending on the individual and the reason for physical therapy, the therapist might recommend hot packs, cold packs or other equipment for home use in between sessions. At Medical Supplies & Equipment Co.[6] , a balance board costs about $50-$100 or more, fitness and exercise balls cost about $20-$80 or more, resistance bands cost $10 to $100 or more and an exercise rail system or chest pulley weights can cost up to $800 or more.
Discounts: | - Many providers offer discounted packages. For example, Joint Ventures Physical Therapy and Fitness[7] in Massachusetts charges $70 for a half-hour session and $105 for an hour-long session, but offers packages that take $10 off the cost of each session.
- Many providers offer discounts to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, ARC Physical Therapy[8] in Illinois offers a 30% discount to cash-paying patients, as well as special waivers or discounts for patients undergoing financial hardship.
Shopping for physical therapy: | - A primary care physician or specialist can provide a referral to a physical therapist. Or, the American Physical Therapy Association offers a physical therapist locator by zip code and area of specialization.
- Physical therapists should have a degree from an accredited program and should have either a doctorate (DPT) or master's degree (MPT) in physical therapy. Physical therapists are licensed at the state level after passing an exam, and it is important to verify that a provider is licensed. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy offers contact information[9] for each state licensing body.
- Reading Berks Physical Therapy LLC[10] offers a list of things to know before choosing a physical therapist.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: JJ23 in OWASSO, OK. | Posted: January 27th, 2023 03:01PM |
| Physical Therapist: Bailey Medical Center | Number of Sessions: 8 |
Total billed to insurance for 8 visits was $8,365. After PPO discounts ($3,597) and insurance payment ($3,576), I’m still on the hook for $1,192. This was very simple stuff… walking my fingers up a wall, light weights, etc. I was completely shocked when I got the bill, and they won’t budge. Who knew there could be such a huge fluctuation in PT charges. |
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| Posted by: JJ23 in OWASSO, OK. | Posted: January 26th, 2023 07:01PM |
| Physical Therapist: Bailey Medical Center | Number of Sessions: 8 |
Total billed to insurance for 8 visits was $8,365. After PPO discounts ($3,597) and insurance payment ($3,576), I’m still on the hook for $1,192. This was very simple stuff… walking my fingers up a wall, light weights, etc. I was completely shocked when I got the bill, and they won’t budge. Who knew there could be such a huge fluctuation in PT charges. |
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| Posted by: Grateful for PT in Chicago, IL. | Posted: September 11th, 2020 03:09PM |
| Physical Therapist: Dave P./Athletico | Number of Sessions: 7 |
Suddenly jobless and lounging around watching TV 24/7 my spine finally caved in. Extreme shooting nerve pain finally caused me to get off the couch and crawl across the street to Athletico for PT with Dave Prentis. After a few sessions we decided that an MRI might be good idea, to ascertain the real issue. He found a spine specialist for me and after an x-ray and MRI the diagnosis is Spinal Stenosis. Dave has been extremely helpful and I now have an exercise plan designed to get me back to normal. Much of this work does have to be done at home by myself, three times a day( at least I aim for that ) and includes a lot of walking and staying off my crappy couch. Slowly but surely I am feeling less agony and more optimism. My insurance does cover a finite number of visits, so my co-pay is $50 a session. Well worth it! |
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| Posted by: a user in TAMAQUA, PA. | Posted: March 24th, 2020 10:03AM |
| Physical Therapist: | Number of Sessions: 3 |
Went to a specialist WITHOUT a referral (knew I would get socked there)Took 12 X rays (3 front 3 back on each shoulder for total of 12) Received Cortisone injection in each shoulder. Bill was 700.
3x1 hr PT visits that included 15 minutes of Ice Therapy. Total bill 2500. 833 per visit. More than seeing the specialist.
STAY AWAY STAY VERY FAR AWAY |
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| Posted by: Blindsided and victumized in Fayetteville, AR. | Posted: May 29th, 2019 03:05PM |
| Physical Therapist: Jason | Number of Sessions: 16+ |
Physical therapy costs are outrageous compared to other medical co-pays for PCPs, Specialists, and urgent or emergency care due to the frequency of the required repeat visits!!!!! |
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| Posted by: T & S in Lexington, KY. | Posted: May 7th, 2019 10:05AM |
| Physical Therapist: Drayer | Number of Sessions: 12 |
Drayer has PT's and student helpers. Be very aware that charges are expensive and every 15 minutes cost you another 75.00 dollars or more. My wife and I both had therapy and could have been shown exercises to do at home in one session but they wouldn't do that. They want you to keep coming back and do little work themselves. I asked for a printout of exercises to do but received none. Insurance covered 80%, we had 20%. This is a scam in many instances and my recommendation is to tell your doctor you cannot afford PT services and request more information on costs before agreeing to PT. Your doctor should be able to prescribe exercises to first try at home. Could save you a big chunk of money. |
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| Posted by: Teach in Hamilton, OH. | Posted: February 20th, 2019 09:02AM |
| Physical Therapist: Kettering Health Network Hamilton Oh | Number of Sessions: 7 and initial evaluation |
The evaluation was 45 minutes. The sessions were 30 minutes each- consisting of my riding a bike for 5 minutes and followed by my doing exercises. He never touched me or used any special equipment. Luckily my insurance paid 3900. |
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| Posted by: Billing Dept in Upstate, NY. | Posted: August 14th, 2018 05:08AM |
Please know your insurance before you go for PT. The amount you pay is what you have agreed upon with your insurance company and your contract. Most PT office charge the same amount but receive a small portion. So if YOUR insurance makes you responsible for a high deductible. Think about getting new insurance NOT a new PT. We let our patients know up front what their insurnace will pay and what their responsibilty is that way there are no surprises. But always as a CYA know your insurance. If you don't then make a phone call to your carrier and find out. |
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| Posted by: Catherine Sears in Creighton, NE. | Posted: August 7th, 2018 09:08PM |
| Physical Therapist: T Ostronic | Number of Sessions: 2 |
I have never paid so much for so little in my life! This was a total rip off. There needs to be more regulation where physical therapy is concerned. I was informed they can charge whatever they want for anything that happens in one to 15 minutes. So, you're charged the same if it's one minute or 15. That just encourages laziness on the part of the physical therapist. Why work 15 minutes when you can make the same amount for one minute? I'm out $856 for less than 20 minutes total with the physical therapist I went to. I spent more time waiting on him. He was called away 3 different times. I did NO exercises the first session and 3 minutes the second. How can they justify $856 for that??? |
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| Posted by: MelBL in CYPRESS, TX. | Posted: August 4th, 2018 04:08PM |
| Physical Therapist: Memorial Herman Sports Medicine | Number of Sessions: 1 |
Manual Therapy 15 min Pt $248.00
Pt Eval Low Complex 20 Min $435.25
I was quoted $350 prior to the appointment and then surprised me with this bill after the appointment.
They compared left and right arms and gave me 3 exercises to do at home. They wanted me to go back twice a week for several weeks! |
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| Posted by: Catherine Sears in Creighton, NE. | Posted: August 3rd, 2018 11:08PM |
| Physical Therapist: T Ostronic | Number of Sessions: 2 |
After 2 sessions I told my husband I wasn't going back because "we don't do anything!" He moved my arms this way and that for about 60 seconds and then we went to his office where we mostly exchanged pleasantries. Very little of our conversation had to do with my condition. I didn't even have his undivided attention. He was called away three different times. After we left his office, he handed me some xerox copies of exercises I could do at home. He asked me when I wanted to come back. I couldn't believe we were finished. Not much more happened the second session. PT is a joke I thought. If they're charging me $50 a session, I can't afford it. Nothing substantial happens. I got the bill and I was literally sick. $856. I could have had SEVENTEEN HOURS of therapeutic massage for that! I was so upset about the bill I cried and couldn't sleep for days at a time. Biggest ripoff EVER! I NEVER would have done PT had I known! I may as well burned 8 $100 bills. This has ruined my entire summer! |
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| Posted by: marshac in Dayton, OH. | Posted: July 19th, 2018 10:07AM |
| Physical Therapist: | Number of Sessions: 6 |
Never did they disclose the cost per session.
When asked "what do I owe?" they said "nothing".
6 visits averaging each 30 - 60 min (avg 45 min)
Billed to Ins $5,500
Network cost to patient $2,200
Need law to disclose the costs of treatment. |
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| Posted by: a user in tulsa, OK. | Posted: May 16th, 2018 07:05AM |
| Physical Therapist: St. Francis Hospital | Number of Sessions: 6 - 1/2 hour |
As you can see, that works out to $700 an hour and I was just using their facilities. I turned down all extra treatment. I'm fighting it, but so are they. |
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| Posted by: Oscar Pozzoli in Bloomfield, NJ. | Posted: April 15th, 2018 08:04AM |
| Physical Therapist: Oscar P | Number of Sessions: 0 |
I have been practicing PT for over 25 years and I must apologize for the abuse our citizens go thru when they received the outrageous bills. It’s sickening to see physical therapist being taken for granted by greeted corporations that are in it for the money. Trust me, most therapist are not aware that the company they work for overcharges for services rendered. Most PT make $50 to $75 an hour. It’s a great job until you realize that you have to see 3 to 4 patients an hour. They know that the treatments provided are not even close as to what they were taught in school. Short cuts, passing over the therapy to aides (not even licensed PTA’s)....yet they look the other way because they’re making $600 to $800 per day.
Remember folks. Most charges to your insurance company is set on time. If your there for one hour, they should charge four, 15 minutes units. For insurance: electric stim with MH x 15, manual therapy or massage in 15 minute units, etc. Help stop this abuse! |
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| Posted by: Lisa Perrss in Granbury, TX. | Posted: April 2nd, 2018 10:04AM |
| Physical Therapist: | Number of Sessions: 12 |
Hospital owned pt center charged our insurance $1600-$2400 per visit we owed more than someone with no insurance!!!!! |
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| Posted by: BunnyBee in Greensboro, NC. | Posted: March 15th, 2018 03:03PM |
| Physical Therapist: | Number of Sessions: 1 |
So far I've only had the initial session but they quoted me $90 per session, since I have not yet met my deductible for Blue Cross Blue Shield NC. The $90 is based on a %30 coinsurance, so the total without insurance would have been $300 per session.
In this first session, I talked with the "physio", as well as a new physio who was shadowing her. They did some strength and flexibility tests, and then she did some dry needling of the muscles around my shoulder. Felt very weird but she swears by it so I figured I'd give it a try. And she did some massage with some sort of device. Painful but probably helps. At the end she gave me a few stretches to do at home, and said she would follow up with an email (although I haven't received that yet). They also have an app that is supposed to have my exercises and allow me to communicate with my physio, but I haven't seen any info on it so far. I am scheduled for at least 3 more visits. |
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| Posted by: Amy Belk in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. | Posted: September 14th, 2017 11:09PM |
| Physical Therapist: Rancho cucamonga, ca | Number of Sessions: |
The prices that people are listing here are pretty average. 89-350 depending on cash rate vs insurance. and yes, a lot of the exercises can be and should be done at home. you're also paying in part for the cost of their equipment and education. A doctor of Physical therapy degree is the level of education PT must have to be licensed starting in 2015. Their program is as strenuous as you GP. With that being said, not all get the results you need and some are mediocre. Advocate for yourself and shop around so you get the care and results you deserve. rehabilitation is a process of re-educating your body how to function healthy. it is not magic or instant, but if you respect you PT and follow their schedule you should expect to get the results they promised you. |
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| Posted by: Anonymous in Fishers, IN in Noblesville, IN. | Posted: September 12th, 2017 09:09AM |
| Physical Therapist: Community Physical Therapy Noblesville | Number of Sessions: 9 |
With network discount, they charged $119 each visit for manual therapy plus $118 each visit for each 15 minutes of therapy exercises. I questioned why I was charged $199 plus (2) $118 charges for some of the appointments and it was because they went over $15 minutes and had to charge for a second 15 minutes. Absolutely insane. Plus if I am paying for another 15 minutes, I want 15 minutes of therapy, not 5-10. Nothing can be done if this is how they have to charge but I do think they should do a better job of explaining a treatment plan and costs at start of therapy. $352.11 charge for 40 minute appt. |
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| Posted by: Scot123 in Dayton, OH. | Posted: April 4th, 2017 11:04AM |
| Physical Therapist: Kettering Sports Medicine, Dayton Ohio | Number of Sessions: 3 |
Doctor recommended PT for my knee pain. After first session I asked how much/session and researched average PT costs on internet. Kettering Health Network Billing Dept. in Dayton estimated $130/session after insurance until I met my $1k annual deductible. After 3 sessions I decided to wait to resume PT until I saw my first bill, which was $1,681 billed to insurance, my obligation was $824, about twice their estimate. For a 1-hour initial session and two 1/2-hour sessions? Outrageous! All they did was have me do some stretches and exercises. I've found another reputable PT office in Dayton, Drayer PT Institute, which will cost me $110/session until deductible met, then 25% of that after. From my experience the hospital-based services are incredibly over priced. Same thing happened to me on X-rays after they were bought by large hospital. Shop around and avoid hospital owned service providers if you can. They're ripping us off! |
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| Posted by: K Blair in massillon, OH. | Posted: April 3rd, 2017 03:04PM |
| Physical Therapist: Aultman West | Number of Sessions: 4 |
Wrapped a heating pad around my neck beginning of each session, then watched me do exercises that I've been assigned to do at home. I then did 2 - 3 exercises with stretch bands that I wasn't assigned to do at home. I was given neck massage after exercises. Sessions were 1/2 hour. I don't mind that they work with several patients at a time- I think that is fairly standard and imagine costs would be way higher if they didn't overlap a bit. |
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| Posted by: Owl in Metairie, LA. | Posted: December 14th, 2016 02:12PM |
I sprained both my ankles, which resulted in Tendonitis in both of my ankles. And have been ordered by my orthopedic doctor to undergo 12 sessions, including deep tissue massage and electric therapy (?). My doctor's office was situated on the 2nd floor, of a 2 floor building, with physical therapy taking up the while first floor. I thought that was kind of suspicious. Thanks for everyone's input on pricing. I will have to pay out of pocket as I have no insurance. I was under the impression that physical therapy would cost less than a doctor visit because doctors have a more extensive education- which is what you're paying for. But PT's don't have that sort of education, so Im wondering why so much is charged. Im considering calling around and asking them a ton of questions, and also looking into getting pt through a college/students studying pt. Finally, someone has to say it, so let it be me: These people are sinful/gluttonous/and selfish to charge this much money! Thanks |
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| Posted by: Cindy C in Cleveland, OH. | Posted: November 28th, 2016 11:11AM |
| Physical Therapist: self | Number of Sessions: 20 |
Ok, I am a home care PT who was injured on the job. I couldn't even get my own PT from my employer, Cleveland Clinic.
I'm reading some of these posts in disbelief. Ok, I just want to say that with 1x15 min session of training, you can learn to apply heat or cold safely and do it yourself. I teach people all the time. I prefer to spend time on ex which is what gets people well- for improving gait, balance and strength. You have to understand the concepts of the PVC pipe; although simple, it is actually a very effective method of rubbing out trigger points in injured muscles; it requires discomfort (not pain) to stretch and strengthen properly. Traction should never cause excruciating pain-it is only for discs that are not herniated. Once you receive ex instruction, it is up to you to do these things daily. No one can "make you well" Ex is a "pill that you Do", just like the ones you swallow: with frequency and consistency. |
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| Posted by: a user in Kokomo, IN. | Posted: November 12th, 2016 11:11PM |
| Physical Therapist: Replay | Number of Sessions: 8 |
I had partial knee replacement. Just got bill. They charged$500 per one hour session |
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| Posted by: Emily Qiu in Duluth, GA. | Posted: October 18th, 2016 07:10AM |
| Physical Therapist: OrthoAtlanta | Number of Sessions: 1 |
Got billed $125 for eval and itemized prices for each exercise I did. The entire procedure lasted 45min while my physical therapist was also working with two other patients. I will pay $125 for the eval if I actually received a hr of consultation and an exercise plan, but it never happened |
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| Posted by: user in Ohio in Huber Heights, OH. | Posted: August 23rd, 2016 04:08AM |
| Physical Therapist: Lindemann, jason | Number of Sessions: 20 |
I come in, ride a peddler for 15 minutes, then do exercises by my self for 30-40 minutes, then he does manuel for about 6 minutes, then I get heat for 15 minutes.
This is a rip off,he is treating 3 patients at the same time. I get NO one on one except when he does manuel. GET this , he talks to other patients when he is treating me, he carry's on conversations with others and is holding my leg and then stops to have a conversation with another patient's mother about her daughters wedding dress and then she comes over and shows him the pic on her cell phone all the while my leg is in the air and he is just holding it there. CRAZY!
It's totally a waste of my time. I CAN DO EXERCISES AT HOME and pay nothing. I am no better than when I started. |
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| Posted by: user from Gurnee, IL in Lake Forest, IL. | Posted: August 4th, 2016 02:08PM |
| Physical Therapist: Lake Forest Hospital | Number of Sessions: 1 |
I had jaw pain & stiffness 10 weeks after I fell on my chin, and my dentist referred me for physical therapy. The initial evaluation cost $640! My HMO doesn't cover treatment for TMJ (jaw-related) issues, so it was private pay. The cost shocked me--I never dreamed it would be that expensive. |
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| Posted by: Lindahaz in Anthem, AZ. | Posted: June 17th, 2016 07:06AM |
| Physical Therapist: Jason | Number of Sessions: 2 |
evaluation, printouts - exercises to do at home - some manipulation of the shoulder. I'm in such shock that i had to cancel my appt today. I had 2 sessions since this one.
I need to fight with insurance now because I thought PT was covered |
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| Posted by: Brigitte in Redwood City, CA. | Posted: June 13th, 2016 08:06AM |
| Physical Therapist: Sequoia Hospital Redwood City | Number of Sessions: 6 |
Total charges $5,544
Insurance paid: $3,234.03
Balance: $2,309.97 |
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| Posted by: Dave17 in Harrisburg, PA. | Posted: June 7th, 2016 02:06PM |
| Physical Therapist: Drayer | Number of Sessions: 40 |
At the end of my PT session The therapist would ask if I want ice (while shaking his head yes) So I asked if he recommends it and he replied yes. Then I find out that they use a machine called "VASOPNEUMATIC DEVICE THERAPY" and charge 40.00 This machine is no better than a bag of frozen peas. What a rip off no wonder our insurance costs are so high! |
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| Posted by: JOHN MUSALO in CONTRY CLUB HILLS, IL. | Posted: June 1st, 2016 01:06PM |
| Physical Therapist: UNKNOWN | Number of Sessions: UNKNOW |
WE HAVE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AETNA BUT THEY WANT 40 DOLLARS A SESSION WERE BOTH ON SOCIAL SECURITY DIABILITY AND WE TAKE HOMELESS THEN 26,800 A YEAR NOT ENCLUDING THE HEALTH INSURANCE TAKE OUTS FROM OUR CHECKS FROM SOCIAL SSECURITY ! WE NEED A DIS COUNT ONPHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY WIFE;S HIP SURGERY ON THE 29TH OF THIS MONTH |
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| Posted by: Si Valley Violinist in Palo Alto, CA. | Posted: May 18th, 2016 09:05AM |
| Physical Therapist: Sutter Health | Number of Sessions: 4 |
Anthem Blue Cross, High-Deductible Plan |
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External Resources: | - www.baudendistelphysicaltherapy.com/node/6
- kathewallace.com/physical-therapy/physical-therapy-practice-and-fees/
- www.elitept.com/services/rehoboth-location
- www.akrongeneral.org/portal/page/portal/AGMC_PAGEGROUP/Price_guide/PRICE_GUIDE6
- www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/physical-therapy-topic-overview
- rehabilitation-products.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/product/posture-mir...
- www.jointventurespt.com/self-pay-rates.html
- arcphysicaltherapy.com/cost-insurance/
- /www.fsbpt.org/LicensingAuthorities/index.asp
- www.readingberkspt.com/dl/7_things.pdf
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