What is Concierge Physical Therapy?

To best describe mobile or concierge physical therapy, let’s first consider a familiar scenario of conventional physical therapy. Suppose you have shoulder pain. You walk through the doors of an outpatient facility, whether a hospital or a local private practice clinic, to see a Physical Therapist and receive treatment.  

Now, imagine instead of having to get in your car and go to a facility, you schedule an appointment with a Physical Therapist from Red Cedar Physical Therapy, who shows up at your door or office space and performs the treatment there. 

That’s mobile Physical Therapy—also called “concierge Physical Therapy”: a service that provides therapy treatments in the comfort of the client’s own home or work space.

Is Mobile Physical Therapy the same as Home Health Therapy?

You may have already heard of home health therapy and are wondering if it’s synonymous with mobile PT. Maybe some years back your grandma fractured her hip, had replacement surgery, then was visited by a Home Health Therapist for 2–3 weeks in her living room until she was able to leave the house for outpatient treatment in a clinic.

While home health PT and mobile PT may appear similar based on the location of treatment, they are different in eligibility requirements and payment structure.

An individual receiving home health physical therapy must be “homebound.” Home health is most often utilized by individuals who have difficulty traveling to a clinic due to physical limitations or health concerns. In contrast, to utilize mobile physical therapy individuals do not need to have this homebound status. Mobile physical therapists bring their services directly to various locations such as workplaces, gyms, or community centers, offering convenience and flexibility for those seeking therapy outside the traditional clinic setting. 

Both types of physical therapy focus on personalized care but differ in their scope of mobility, with mobile PT tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the patients. Mobile PT is still considered an outpatient service. 

Does payment structure differ for Mobile PT versus In-clinic PT?

Both Mobile PT and In-clinic PT primarily receive the same payment systems: insurance and cash.

An insurance-based PT practice operates within the framework of health insurance plans, where services are fully or partially covered by health insurance companies. Patients pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance as outlined in their insurance policy. This model allows for wider accessibility to therapy services but may impose limitations, such as a predetermined visit cap or specific authorization requirements.

In contrast, a cash-based PT practice will operate outside insurance networks, with patients directly paying the therapist for services rendered. This model affords therapists greater flexibility and control over treatment plans, typically providing longer sessions and more personalized care. Cash-based PT can also offer services not covered by insurance, allowing therapists to focus solely on the patient’s needs without insurance constraints. At Red Cedar Physical Therapy, we are a cash-pay concierge structure.

What are some benefits of having PT at home?

Having physical therapy at home offers several benefits. It provides convenience for individuals who have difficulty traveling due to health conditions or who have a busy schedule. Below are a couple more benefits of Mobile Physical Therapy.

1. Treatment in a comfortable environment

Home-based PT allows for personalized care within a familiar surrounding, which can enhance comfort and reduce the stress often associated with clinic visits. Imagine cutting out the need to plod through traffic to get to your therapy session! This one benefit can save precious time for the busy professional or the caregiver of young children.

Additionally, a mobile practice enables therapists to assess and tailor treatment plans in real-life settings, addressing specific challenges that patients might face in their daily routines. Having a physical therapist assess your workplace can help if you have a manual labor job. Even those who primarily work on a computer may struggle with an ergonomic setup—something a PT would be eager to address.

This at-home form of therapy also promotes family involvement. Family members at home will have a chance to participate in and learn about your exercises or treatment strategies. This involvement can further support your progress and recovery. Sometimes, rehabilitation takes a village!

2. More one-on-one time with an experienced therapist

Due to strains in the insurance reimbursement system, many outpatient settings have become fast-paced environments, unable to provide individualized care all the time. For example, when you go to an outpatient clinic or hospital setting, part of your treatment may be led by a Physical Therapist Assistant or a Physical Therapy aide instead of a PT. Some therapy clinics may also operate on a rotating schedule, where a given patient can be seen by different therapists depending on the day. 

Mobile PT offers exclusive one-on-one time with your therapist. The PT performs the evaluation and will often complete all of the treatment sessions. If you prefer having only one point of contact when receiving therapy, Mobile PT may be the better choice.  

What are some advantages of going to an outpatient facility as opposed to Mobile Physical Therapy?

1. Specialized Equipment 

Typical outpatient clinics house a wide array of specialized equipment and resources that might not be readily available for mobile sessions. This access to advanced tools can enhance the variety and effectiveness of therapy strategies.

For example, high-level and professional athletes may benefit from using a treadmill or weight-lifting equipment as part of their therapy. They would do better visiting a sports-focused clinic instead of receiving therapy at home. In a different scenario, a neurological patient who has suffered a stroke may require a body-weight supported treadmill or parallel bars, which would be available only in a hospital rehabilitation wing or specialized clinic.

2. Diverse Expertise

Clinics often employ multiple therapists with diverse specialties. This can give patients access to multiple perspectives and a broader range of expertise for their rehabilitation needs. For instance, a clinic might have several therapists who focus on orthopedic injuries, a few that are experts at neurological issues, and another that treats pelvic floor conditions exclusively.

3. Structured Environment

As opposed to one’s home, a clinical setting offers a more structured environment, solely focused on administering therapy. This setting can sometimes be more conducive to treatment. Some patients prefer to leave their house for their treatment, which can be therapeutic in its own way.

4. Social Aspect

In some cases, a PT client benefits from the clinic environment, where they can interact with multiple individuals from the treatment team or derive encouragement from sharing their experience with other patients. 

While in-clinic physical therapy has these advantages, the choice between in-clinic and mobile PT depends on individual needs, preferences, and the specific nature of the condition or injury being treated.

How do I get started with PT at home?

First, search for mobile PT: a quick query through your favorite search engine for “mobile physical therapy” or “concierge physical therapy” will likely yield several results in your vicinity.  Inquire if the service covers your area. Otherwise contact your family physician, orthopedic doctor, or even insurance company. Any one of them may be able to refer you to a mobile PT service.

Next, schedule an initial evaluation. Have your calendar ready and call the mobile PT practice of your choice to let them know your availability. Provide them your healthcare insurance information or Medicare ID if applicable. They may also need a physician point-of-contact to send the plan of care. A fax number for your physician’s office can help the mobile PT service ensure that your doctor receives crucial information regarding your treatment.

What should I expect for my first Mobile Physical Therapy session?

You’re almost there! Now that you’ve scheduled a mobile PT session, here’s what to expect. During your first session, the therapist will focus on gathering information about your condition, assessing your mobility and function, and establishing a treatment plan. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Assessment: The therapist will start by asking about your medical history, current symptoms and limitations. They’ll discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy.
2. Physical Examination: Expect a physical examination to assess your strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, and any areas of concern. This may involve performing certain movements or exercises so the PT can evaluate and treat your condition.
3. Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. They’ll discuss the proposed exercises, techniques, and strategies to address your condition or injury. You may be given “homework”—exercises to perform on a routine basis to maintain progress between sessions.
4. Education: The therapist will likely give you information about your condition. They will also explain how the proposed treatments can help, including how to adapt your posture for sleep, work, and physical activities.
5. Setting Goals: Setting realistic short-term and long-term goals is a common step during the first session. This helps track progress and ensures that therapy aligns with your desired outcomes. Before the first session, write down some goals or take a mental note of how you want therapy to help you.
6. Scheduling and Logistics: Finally, the therapist will discuss some “housekeeping” items: a proposed schedule for subsequent sessions, logistical details for future appointments, and any equipment or space requirements needed for your therapy sessions at home.

Open communication with your therapist is key. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns you might have about your condition or the therapy process.

How do I prepare for a mobile PT session?

Preparing for a mobile physical therapy session involves a few steps to ensure a smooth and productive experience:

1. Confirm Appointment Details: Double-check the appointment date, time, and location with the therapist. Ensure that your home or chosen location is accessible and suitable for the session. If you live/work in a gated community or an apartment, provide parking instructions ahead of time.
2. Clear Space: Create a clear and safe area for the therapy session. Remove any obstacles or clutter that might hinder movement or exercise. Some therapists may bring a treatment table which requires about the same room as a large coffee table. Make sure any overanxious or overly-friendly pets are placed in a safe space before the session.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and access to the area being treated. For instance, if the therapy focuses on the neck, wear clothing that allows easy access to that area.
4. Prepare Medical Information: Have any relevant medical records, medications, previous imaging results, or information about your condition available for the therapist’s reference.

By taking these steps, you can help create an environment conducive to a successful mobile physical therapy session and maximize the benefits of your treatment.

Do I need a referral for mobile PT?

In many cases, a referral for mobile physical therapy is not required to begin therapy, especially if you’re paying out of pocket or if your insurance plan doesn’t require one. However, some insurance companies may require a referral or prescription from a healthcare provider to cover the costs of physical therapy, whether it’s mobile or clinic-based.

If you’re unsure about whether you need a referral for mobile PT, it’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements. Even if not required, a referral can help the therapist better understand your medical history and condition before starting the sessions. Additionally, your primary healthcare provider can guide you on whether physical therapy is appropriate for your condition and help you choose the right therapy option for your needs.

Cash-based physical therapy typically does not require a prescription or referral.

Is Mobile PT right for me? Conclusion

Mobile PT is a convenient service for the individual whose busy schedule limits their ability to commute to a clinic for routine physical therapy. It may also benefit those who are prevented by health and physical conditions from going into public spaces.

For individuals who need fast-paced care or advanced equipment to return to sports, being in the clinic might be more effective for treatment.

Regardless, having physical therapy is crucial to anyone’s recovery if they have difficulty with basic daily activities or hobbies that are important to their quality of life.