This is a dirty, dark question I have heard in the whispers of conversations. Or, in the comments section of some Physical Therapy (PT) related forums. The first time I heard it, I honestly cringed. Today? I shrug. Let me explain.
Why would people think PT is a scam?
Over my years in practice, I have heard a lot of stories. Stories of patients taking time out of their day to go to PT, and they go to their session, grab an exercise program sheet, and take themselves through a majority of their program by themselves. I have heard of patients going to their session, and they spend the majority, if not the whole session, with a rehabilitation aide. Or, their PT is there but is split between 1 other, 2 other, or even 3 other patients at the very same times. I have worked in some of these practices as well. To me, this is not value.
But, I also understand. Reimbursement has only trended down from insurance companies over the years. What this means is that every minute the PT spends with the patient gets worse for their paycheck by the year. Also, many companies have made medicine a profitable industry, not just PT. So it is about numbers, volume, and the bottom line. So, I get it.
What can be done about it?
Often times, this is why many cash pay practitioners and practices have been born. Therapists get burned out and very tired of the fast foot industry style of treating patients. No more insurance limitations and authorizations! No more restrictions on visits or when patients can be seen! Actual monetary value is set for the PT’s time. And, often, more 1:1 time can be appreciated by the patient AND the therapist.
Do YOU think PT is a scam?
I, first and foremost, have never thought medicine should have ever been allowed to become a profitable industry. The moment hospitals were allowed to work outside of non-profit status, and you saw CEOs and Presidents making six figure salaries, was the moment we lost control over the patient and the practitioner being the priority. That being said, I think it is possible to get great care out there. I know many PTs have giant hearts, and will run out of gas before ever allowing their patients to receive substandard care. But I also know that quality of care has been losing the fight to the bottom line for many years now. I hope it can turn around, and I do think it can. I think there are a lot of very skilled practitioners out there (ahem: including myself, cue the eye roll). And, PT’s are naturally very creative and ready to take on the next fight on behalf of the profession and their patients.
Go get ‘em, tiger!
Heal today, transform tomorrow. Unlock your potential to heal, learn and grow. – Dr. Barb Wally, LLC
Note: These blog articles are not in exchange for a one on one Physical Therapy visit. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving a Physical Therapy visit!
*This content is original and copyright Dr Barb Wally, LLC*
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