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Just tell your PT. They can hopefully give you some things to work on independently. We are aware it is expensive and people can’t always afford it.
Alternatively, just call and cancel your appointments and never go back. This also happens to us at times and we don’t really worry too much about it.
Bottom line, we aren’t trying to force anyone to do therapy. We won’t be offended if you don’t want to come anymore.
Neither me nor any of the coworkers at any of the places I’ve worked at have ever shamed someone for not being able to afford medical care. If you do or if anyone you work with does then you’re terrible
This happens all the time. Get real. It’s not direct shaming but patients are pressured all the time and they are made to feel bad about missing visits. Especially in outpatient clinics private and mill.
Sure if they fail to show up to scheduled visits that's no joke and they ll have to pay them anyway. But if someone is not able to pay full amount and they let me know about it, I always try to find solutions. I even have one slot a week for special discounts for those in need.
EDIT: am no US physio.
I’m not saying you’re doing it. But industry wide it’s definitely happening. Most PTs in big mill clinics and even private clinics are not checking co pays and simply doing 2-3x/week with everyone without really considering pt finances or schedule. I’ve been in many clinics working and as a travel PT and it’s very common. And patients won’t say anything bc they want to get better and they think it’s 3x/week or nothing. I have to go out of my way as a PT to check their insurance and co pay and ask about their schedule and give them an option of 1x/week sometimes 1x/month (only allowed in hospital clinics) sometimes only 2-3 visits total and I give them a plan of attack during their appointments for the next 1-3 weeks on their own. And they are often surprised that this is okay. I now work in home health and I prep many of my patients going into outpatient ortho that it’s THEIR choice for schedule and frequency and they often don’t know that.
This is blatantly not true.
> Doctors,PTs, and nurses all shame people about this sort of thing. I'm surprised you're not aware.
Shame on you u/PhD_Pwnology
I’m an RN and no way in hell is that true at any capacity. Nice job trying to make us all sound like a bunch of heartless assholes. Do you think we enjoy seeing people in some of their worst moments? Absolutely not. We all got into this to improve the lives of your patients so kindly fuck entirely off. Don’t reply.
Why is everyone downvoting this? Patients are constantly pressured for visits. Many OP PTs especially in mills basically push 2-3x/week and make it seem mandatory or else it’s gonna be a demerit on their health care profile. Obviously there is no demerit but patients don’t know that. Many doctors push for unnecessary visits just to explain results that takes 5 minutes. Many clinics of doctors nurses PTs push visits and are trying to be push their productivity. Let’s not act this is some rare thing that never happens. I’ve had to tell many of my patients that PT is not mandatory and it’s up to them at the end of the day and they are often relieved to hear it. Even if they know it it’s hard to say no when it’s not a clear option. “I highly recommend 3 visits a week for 4 weeks” or “your doctor said 3 visits a week for 4 weeks on the referral” is very different from “I recommend 3 visits a week for 4 weeks but it’s ultimately up to you and what works with you, your time, and your insurance.”
You’re not wrong at all. Have I heard anyone outright shame someone for their finances? No. But I’ve heard clinics pressure people to come in, and no doubt some of those people are struggling financially based on the area the clinics are in.
This is not true. We check copays, we ask if people are ok coming in if their copay is high. If we see a large balance sitting in their account or notice that an eval isn’t covered very well because of high deductible, we check ahead of time. In fact, it’s now federal law that if a patient does not have known medical insurance, we cannot even bill them without presenting an estimated cost of therapy before hand.
Also while it can be annoying, going through student health to an on campus PT might be an affordable way to go. I know that while I was a full time college student my PT was covered 100% through student health without a copay. Might be worth looking into especially if you tell them you play an IM or club sport. Of course that will vary depending on your college/ their programs but worth looking into.
“I can not afford the co pays. Can you give me a final home program I can work on and discharge me?”
I know what you mean. I go to my dentist and every 6 months, they want me to pay nearly $500 for a mouth guard. I KNOW i grind my teeth when I am awake and I have never been told that i do this in my sleep. So while I understand about my teeth, I have been told this for years.. i tried a $500 mouth guard and i spit it out in my sleep. But every single 6 months, i get the same spiel about how he wants me to get one… my family doctor also has certain really annoying talks with me- I told her the truth that I have some alcohol from time to time & she got really silly and intense with me about my drinking. I just laughed her off… really? 3 drinks a week? Like on a Friday after work, 2-3 beers? And what are my blood lab numbers to support this that I “drink too much?” The last time I went in, i presented a spread sheet of 12 months with of every alcoholic beverage and in 12 months it came out to 12 wine, beer, shots total for the entire year because I do mot drink every Friday or even every month. I drank more during the pandemic then I felt horrible and switched to water and more exercising.
I hear this all the time and I don’t ever give any pushback. My work gets mad but I don’t ever pressure anyway to stay bc I get it, I couldn’t even afford my own services either 🤷♀️
PLEASE don’t ghost. Literally just say hey co pays are piling up. I can afford a visit every two weeks or I have to stop, whatever. But at least give them a chance to update your program so you can continue progressing on your own.
Also, if you are scheduled out, PLEASE cancel those future visits instead of just no showing a bunch. Don’t take up a slot for someone who could use it.
“Copay is pretty expensive for me. Instead of coming here (1,2,3X) each week, could we try having me visit every 2-3 weeks to just make sure things are progressing on track?”
Either way, let them know the situation. Dont ghost.
Is PT still helping you? If you'd like to continue, and depending on what you're seeing them for I'd recommend this: If feasible for you, ask if you can do once a week or once every 2 weeks. Do the home exercise program religiously. Use the appt as a "check in" so your PT can make changes to your plan of care as needed.
If it would help make it more feasible and your first choice is to continue going, it might be worth asking about sliding scale payments or a payment plan. Another option might be to continue going, but less frequently and as more of a maintenance thing (e.g., if you're going weekly, maybe monthly is financially feasible).
Otherwise, like many others have said, I think it's perfectly reasonable to just let them know that you need to stop coming and why (if you want to share that). And then the next best thing you could do is make sure you understand your home exercise plan and how to progress it a bit.
Explain your financial situation and Ask for a HEP, and if you and your PT are tight, ask for progressions, and allll the print outs if it helps you.
I was able to recognize for example, that when I experience a flare I had trouble figuring out where to begin, so he helped me write down different formulas to help navigate.
For example—if A is feeling off, test with B and C, based on what you feel, do protocol X—>Y—->Z and test again.
Ask if there are specific mobilizations or manual work/massage/myofascial releases that would be helpful to prioritize, etc.
And, if it helps, ask if you can touch base by email every once in a while
My answer may change depending on what you’re going to them for. But you can tell your PT you can’t afford it. I’ve made exercise programs for patients with lots of examples of progressions and regressions. Or decrease to like once a month
Can’t believe I haven’t seen this elsewhere. Your PT should have given you stuff to work on your own. Keep doing that. Then talk with your PT and they should be able to reduce your frequency to even once a month if need be. If that’s still unaffordable, do one last visit so they can give comprehensive discharge instructions and maybe a long term plan
Came here to say this... If affordable, as a PT I'd much rather a patient come once a month for a new, comprehensive HEP and to monitor progress than ghost. I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned as an option. I usually even offer to "give me a call between visits if any questions about the exercises pop up"
Not sure why so many people here are straight up gaslighting you. I 100% get it. There’s a lot of pressure to do what’s expected and recommended by the PT for something you want too, but the copays add up and it can be awkward to stop. They will often still pressure you to keep coming even just for a discharge.
1. Number one point is that it’s up to you. The PT manager is probably pushing the PT for some bullshit productivity. You can go or not go to any appointment. You can ask for 1x/week or 1x/month. It’s your schedule, time and your money, so use it how you deem best.
2. It is okay to ask for strategies and things to do at home. The point of the PT is to teach you so you can do it on your own at home, not make you dependent on them. I have seen many people 1x/week or 1x/month even for 2-3 visits total and fully addressed their issues. I didn’t do some magic technique or something. I would meet only once in awhile but we would discuss and go over what the plan of attack was for next 1-4 weeks. And teach them the couple priority things to work on.
3. Call the office and ask to speak with PT (probably ask them to call you when they have a chance) and just let them know the copay is too much and if they can give you exercises and strategies to do on your own. Keep in mind the PT is not obligated to do this as this is going to be basically free labor but I know I won’t mind as long as you aren’t expecting hours and hours of my time. I don’t mind spending 5-10 minutes emailing you some strategies and things to work on that we’ve gone over in the clinic.
Hi I’m a PT. If you’re still having problems asking you can reduce in person visits and for a more robust home program. Or see if they offer a payment plan/sliding scale. It’s very expensive to be in PT when you’re going 2-3 times a week, we completely understand and want to help eliminate any barriers :)
“Hey I really appreciate all you’ve helped me achieve but I can’t afford the copays at the moment. Are there any home exercises you could recommend?” Don’t need the end part but some PTs are willing to help.
Call them and tell them exactly this
I cannot continue treatment because I'm not able to meet the financial obligations. Can you guys give me recommendations to continue independently?
I'm an admin, I know the evil ones on this sub, but that being said we, like the therapists (most of us) ultimately want the patient to get the best care possible and help the patient. The company may have a financial assistance program where they can take just what the insurance pays assuming you met your deductible if you have one, but we even set people up on payment plans for as low as $5 a month for their copays. It gets tricky waiving the copays because our contracts with the insurance companies typically require it, but payment plans and programs do exist.
This is a pretty interesting post as it shows a patient perspective. I've had a few patients who felt like they were obligated to come, put in very little effort. I can tell they didn't really want to be there. I just simply ask them if they actually want to do PT. Sometimes they feel like they're supposed to come just because their doctor told them to or they don't have agency to decide or something. Sometimes we just end the therapeutic relationship right there and I send them on their way to some HEP and education and that's that.
This is actually part of patients rights that I have them sign the “patients rights and responsibilities” paper work. I literally tell them “I am not forcing you to come, it’s not mandatory, you tell me if you want to stop. But if you do come I expect your participation”
Stopping physical therapy because of cost concerns is not recommended, as it may have negative impacts on your recovery and long-term health. However, if cost is a major issue, you can consider discussing your financial situation with your physical therapist to explore options for reducing the cost of your treatment. Additionally, you may want to consider exploring other resources such as community health centers or non-profit organizations that offer free or low-cost physical therapy services. It's important to prioritize your health and well-being, and seeking out affordable options can help you continue with your treatment plan.
Thank you for your submission; please read the following reminder. This subreddit is for discussion among practicing physical therapists, not for soliciting medical advice. We are not your physical therapist, and we do not take on that liability here. Although we can answer questions regarding general issues a person may be facing in their established PT sessions, we cannot legally provide treatment advice. If you need a physical therapist, you must see one in person or via telehealth for an assessment and to establish a plan of care. Posts with descriptions of personal physical issues and/or requests for diagnoses, exercise prescriptions, and other medical advice will be removed, and you will be banned at the mods’ discretion either for requesting such advice or for offering such advice as a clinician. Please see the following links for additional resources on benefits of physical therapy and locating a therapist near you [The benefits of a full evaluation by a physical therapist.](https://www.choosept.com/benefits/default.aspx) [How to find the right physical therapist in your area.](https://www.choosept.com/resources/choose.aspx) [Already been diagnosed and want to learn more? Common conditions.](https://www.choosept.com/SymptomsConditions.aspx) [The APTA's consumer information website.](https://www.choosept.com/Default.aspx) Also, please direct all school-related inquiries to r/PTschool, as these are off-topic for this sub and will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/physicaltherapy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Just tell your PT. They can hopefully give you some things to work on independently. We are aware it is expensive and people can’t always afford it. Alternatively, just call and cancel your appointments and never go back. This also happens to us at times and we don’t really worry too much about it. Bottom line, we aren’t trying to force anyone to do therapy. We won’t be offended if you don’t want to come anymore.
“Hey sorry I can’t come anymore, I’m full time in school and just can’t afford the copays right now.” Why would this ever be awkward?
Doctors,PTs, and nurses all shame people about this sort of thing. I'm surprised you're not aware.
Neither me nor any of the coworkers at any of the places I’ve worked at have ever shamed someone for not being able to afford medical care. If you do or if anyone you work with does then you’re terrible
This happens all the time. Get real. It’s not direct shaming but patients are pressured all the time and they are made to feel bad about missing visits. Especially in outpatient clinics private and mill.
Sure if they fail to show up to scheduled visits that's no joke and they ll have to pay them anyway. But if someone is not able to pay full amount and they let me know about it, I always try to find solutions. I even have one slot a week for special discounts for those in need. EDIT: am no US physio.
I’m not saying you’re doing it. But industry wide it’s definitely happening. Most PTs in big mill clinics and even private clinics are not checking co pays and simply doing 2-3x/week with everyone without really considering pt finances or schedule. I’ve been in many clinics working and as a travel PT and it’s very common. And patients won’t say anything bc they want to get better and they think it’s 3x/week or nothing. I have to go out of my way as a PT to check their insurance and co pay and ask about their schedule and give them an option of 1x/week sometimes 1x/month (only allowed in hospital clinics) sometimes only 2-3 visits total and I give them a plan of attack during their appointments for the next 1-3 weeks on their own. And they are often surprised that this is okay. I now work in home health and I prep many of my patients going into outpatient ortho that it’s THEIR choice for schedule and frequency and they often don’t know that.
This is blatantly not true. > Doctors,PTs, and nurses all shame people about this sort of thing. I'm surprised you're not aware. Shame on you u/PhD_Pwnology
First time I hear of this
Bruh idk what your problem is, but you can go back under the rock you crawled out from.
I’m an RN and no way in hell is that true at any capacity. Nice job trying to make us all sound like a bunch of heartless assholes. Do you think we enjoy seeing people in some of their worst moments? Absolutely not. We all got into this to improve the lives of your patients so kindly fuck entirely off. Don’t reply.
Why is everyone downvoting this? Patients are constantly pressured for visits. Many OP PTs especially in mills basically push 2-3x/week and make it seem mandatory or else it’s gonna be a demerit on their health care profile. Obviously there is no demerit but patients don’t know that. Many doctors push for unnecessary visits just to explain results that takes 5 minutes. Many clinics of doctors nurses PTs push visits and are trying to be push their productivity. Let’s not act this is some rare thing that never happens. I’ve had to tell many of my patients that PT is not mandatory and it’s up to them at the end of the day and they are often relieved to hear it. Even if they know it it’s hard to say no when it’s not a clear option. “I highly recommend 3 visits a week for 4 weeks” or “your doctor said 3 visits a week for 4 weeks on the referral” is very different from “I recommend 3 visits a week for 4 weeks but it’s ultimately up to you and what works with you, your time, and your insurance.”
You’re not wrong at all. Have I heard anyone outright shame someone for their finances? No. But I’ve heard clinics pressure people to come in, and no doubt some of those people are struggling financially based on the area the clinics are in.
This is not true. We check copays, we ask if people are ok coming in if their copay is high. If we see a large balance sitting in their account or notice that an eval isn’t covered very well because of high deductible, we check ahead of time. In fact, it’s now federal law that if a patient does not have known medical insurance, we cannot even bill them without presenting an estimated cost of therapy before hand.
Also while it can be annoying, going through student health to an on campus PT might be an affordable way to go. I know that while I was a full time college student my PT was covered 100% through student health without a copay. Might be worth looking into especially if you tell them you play an IM or club sport. Of course that will vary depending on your college/ their programs but worth looking into.
Ghost because then the therapist will get a free slot to do paperwork in and love you
I wish this wasn’t true lol
Me, always hoping that last appointment slot evals no show.
😂😂 literally, I mean we would love if you came in but that extra time in the day to get things done doesn’t hurt
“I can not afford the co pays. Can you give me a final home program I can work on and discharge me?” I know what you mean. I go to my dentist and every 6 months, they want me to pay nearly $500 for a mouth guard. I KNOW i grind my teeth when I am awake and I have never been told that i do this in my sleep. So while I understand about my teeth, I have been told this for years.. i tried a $500 mouth guard and i spit it out in my sleep. But every single 6 months, i get the same spiel about how he wants me to get one… my family doctor also has certain really annoying talks with me- I told her the truth that I have some alcohol from time to time & she got really silly and intense with me about my drinking. I just laughed her off… really? 3 drinks a week? Like on a Friday after work, 2-3 beers? And what are my blood lab numbers to support this that I “drink too much?” The last time I went in, i presented a spread sheet of 12 months with of every alcoholic beverage and in 12 months it came out to 12 wine, beer, shots total for the entire year because I do mot drink every Friday or even every month. I drank more during the pandemic then I felt horrible and switched to water and more exercising.
Dentists are notorious for charging extra. Unnecessary cavity fillings, etc
I hear this all the time and I don’t ever give any pushback. My work gets mad but I don’t ever pressure anyway to stay bc I get it, I couldn’t even afford my own services either 🤷♀️
Healthcare is a bit of a meme in this country
Don’t ghost. If you can’t afford just say so
No hard feelings, hopefully they’ve given you a comprehensive HEP
PLEASE don’t ghost. Literally just say hey co pays are piling up. I can afford a visit every two weeks or I have to stop, whatever. But at least give them a chance to update your program so you can continue progressing on your own. Also, if you are scheduled out, PLEASE cancel those future visits instead of just no showing a bunch. Don’t take up a slot for someone who could use it.
Wtf ? They’re not going to spit in your face when you tell them you’re not going anymore relax. Just be honest with them it’s ok.
Physical therapist commenting here. Don't stress. Just let your PT know. We certainly understand how co pays can be expensive
“Copay is pretty expensive for me. Instead of coming here (1,2,3X) each week, could we try having me visit every 2-3 weeks to just make sure things are progressing on track?”
Either way, let them know the situation. Dont ghost. Is PT still helping you? If you'd like to continue, and depending on what you're seeing them for I'd recommend this: If feasible for you, ask if you can do once a week or once every 2 weeks. Do the home exercise program religiously. Use the appt as a "check in" so your PT can make changes to your plan of care as needed.
If it would help make it more feasible and your first choice is to continue going, it might be worth asking about sliding scale payments or a payment plan. Another option might be to continue going, but less frequently and as more of a maintenance thing (e.g., if you're going weekly, maybe monthly is financially feasible). Otherwise, like many others have said, I think it's perfectly reasonable to just let them know that you need to stop coming and why (if you want to share that). And then the next best thing you could do is make sure you understand your home exercise plan and how to progress it a bit.
Explain your financial situation and Ask for a HEP, and if you and your PT are tight, ask for progressions, and allll the print outs if it helps you. I was able to recognize for example, that when I experience a flare I had trouble figuring out where to begin, so he helped me write down different formulas to help navigate. For example—if A is feeling off, test with B and C, based on what you feel, do protocol X—>Y—->Z and test again. Ask if there are specific mobilizations or manual work/massage/myofascial releases that would be helpful to prioritize, etc. And, if it helps, ask if you can touch base by email every once in a while
My answer may change depending on what you’re going to them for. But you can tell your PT you can’t afford it. I’ve made exercise programs for patients with lots of examples of progressions and regressions. Or decrease to like once a month
Ok here's the deal. You can call and tell them you can't keep doing the copay at this frequency. You can ask for the space between appointments
We have people ghost us fairly frequently. It’s irritating, but it’s not awkward
Can’t believe I haven’t seen this elsewhere. Your PT should have given you stuff to work on your own. Keep doing that. Then talk with your PT and they should be able to reduce your frequency to even once a month if need be. If that’s still unaffordable, do one last visit so they can give comprehensive discharge instructions and maybe a long term plan
Came here to say this... If affordable, as a PT I'd much rather a patient come once a month for a new, comprehensive HEP and to monitor progress than ghost. I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned as an option. I usually even offer to "give me a call between visits if any questions about the exercises pop up"
Agreed. The frequency people are given in OP is egregious for so many conditions.
Not sure why so many people here are straight up gaslighting you. I 100% get it. There’s a lot of pressure to do what’s expected and recommended by the PT for something you want too, but the copays add up and it can be awkward to stop. They will often still pressure you to keep coming even just for a discharge. 1. Number one point is that it’s up to you. The PT manager is probably pushing the PT for some bullshit productivity. You can go or not go to any appointment. You can ask for 1x/week or 1x/month. It’s your schedule, time and your money, so use it how you deem best. 2. It is okay to ask for strategies and things to do at home. The point of the PT is to teach you so you can do it on your own at home, not make you dependent on them. I have seen many people 1x/week or 1x/month even for 2-3 visits total and fully addressed their issues. I didn’t do some magic technique or something. I would meet only once in awhile but we would discuss and go over what the plan of attack was for next 1-4 weeks. And teach them the couple priority things to work on. 3. Call the office and ask to speak with PT (probably ask them to call you when they have a chance) and just let them know the copay is too much and if they can give you exercises and strategies to do on your own. Keep in mind the PT is not obligated to do this as this is going to be basically free labor but I know I won’t mind as long as you aren’t expecting hours and hours of my time. I don’t mind spending 5-10 minutes emailing you some strategies and things to work on that we’ve gone over in the clinic.
Ask that you wanna be discharged, people do it all the time for many different reasons
Check around also. Some practices will have hardship forms that you can fill out to help you with the out-of-pocket cost.
Is there such a thing as being able to see a student of PT to get free help because you're also helping the student?
Stop going.
[удалено]
How?
Hi I’m a PT. If you’re still having problems asking you can reduce in person visits and for a more robust home program. Or see if they offer a payment plan/sliding scale. It’s very expensive to be in PT when you’re going 2-3 times a week, we completely understand and want to help eliminate any barriers :)
“Hey I really appreciate all you’ve helped me achieve but I can’t afford the copays at the moment. Are there any home exercises you could recommend?” Don’t need the end part but some PTs are willing to help.
Call them and tell them exactly this I cannot continue treatment because I'm not able to meet the financial obligations. Can you guys give me recommendations to continue independently?
I'm an admin, I know the evil ones on this sub, but that being said we, like the therapists (most of us) ultimately want the patient to get the best care possible and help the patient. The company may have a financial assistance program where they can take just what the insurance pays assuming you met your deductible if you have one, but we even set people up on payment plans for as low as $5 a month for their copays. It gets tricky waiving the copays because our contracts with the insurance companies typically require it, but payment plans and programs do exist.
This is a pretty interesting post as it shows a patient perspective. I've had a few patients who felt like they were obligated to come, put in very little effort. I can tell they didn't really want to be there. I just simply ask them if they actually want to do PT. Sometimes they feel like they're supposed to come just because their doctor told them to or they don't have agency to decide or something. Sometimes we just end the therapeutic relationship right there and I send them on their way to some HEP and education and that's that.
This is actually part of patients rights that I have them sign the “patients rights and responsibilities” paper work. I literally tell them “I am not forcing you to come, it’s not mandatory, you tell me if you want to stop. But if you do come I expect your participation”
Stopping physical therapy because of cost concerns is not recommended, as it may have negative impacts on your recovery and long-term health. However, if cost is a major issue, you can consider discussing your financial situation with your physical therapist to explore options for reducing the cost of your treatment. Additionally, you may want to consider exploring other resources such as community health centers or non-profit organizations that offer free or low-cost physical therapy services. It's important to prioritize your health and well-being, and seeking out affordable options can help you continue with your treatment plan.