Is Physical Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Severe injuries can lead to a lengthy recovery and ongoing medical care, including physical therapy. These costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover physical therapy. 

If you or your loved one is recovering from an injury and needs physical therapy, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer with our firm can help you recover the cost. We can pursue your medical expenses with an insurance claim and explore your options for seeking damages from the liable party. 

You Can File a Physical Therapy Claim With Your Insurance Provider

Physical therapy is covered by most health insurance plans and no-fault auto insurance plans. If you carry personal injury protection (PIP), it will pay for physical therapy for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident. For most other injuries, your medical insurance coverage applies. 

When reviewing your claim, your insurer will consider whether your injury requires physical therapy and determine if your plan covers your medical condition. Your insurance company will deny your claim if:

• It does not believe physical therapy is a medical necessity.
• Your specific injury is not covered in your health plan.
• Your injury did not result from a covered accident (in the case of a vehicle collision). 

If you have trouble securing compensation from your insurance provider, we can help. Our law firm can review your coverage, prove you need physical therapy and deserve payment, and seek the maximum settlement possible up to your policy limit. 

You Can Seek the Cost of Physical Therapy From a Liable Party

If another party’s careless, negligent, or wrongful behavior injured you, you can seek compensation from an at-fault party with a liability insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You can pursue the cost of physical therapy treatment and other medical care, including the following:

• Ambulance transportation 
• Emergency services
• X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
• Surgeries and medical procedures
• Hospital stays
• Doctor’s fees
• Prescription drugs
• Mobility aids and medical equipment
• Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services
• Long-term nursing

Medical bills are not the only compensable personal injury damages. If the accident that led to your injury was not your fault, our legal team can also help you recover awards for the following:

• Lost income, earnings, and employment benefits
• Lost future earning capacity
• Vehicle or personal property damages
• Household services
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment
• Impaired quality of life

Accidents and Injuries That Could Require Physical Therapy

Physical therapy sessions can help patients recover from various injuries and medical conditions and assist with post-surgical recovery. Common conditions treated by physical therapy include the following:

• Foot fractures
• Ankle sprains and ligament tears
• Shoulder fractures
• Shoulder separations and dislocations
• Hip fractures and hip problems
• Chronic back pain
• Lower back pain
• Neck injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Knee, shoulder, or joint replacements
• Knee injuries
• ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries
• Meniscus tears
• Chronic headaches

Many of the above can result from preventable accidents. If another party’s negligence caused your injury, they should pay for your damages. We handle personal injury claims and lawsuits involving the following:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
• Boating accidents
• Slip and fall accidents 
• Dog bites
• Construction accidents
• Birth injuries
• Medical malpractice

What to Expect From Your Physical Therapy Appointments

You can do several things to prepare for physical therapy services and ensure your provider covers your treatment. 

Before

Before beginning physical therapy, understand your therapy provider’s payment policy, as you may need to pay deductibles or copays at the time of service. Also, know how many therapy sessions your health insurance provider will cover. If applicable, we can pursue compensation from a liable party for your out-of-pocket fees and necessary visits the insurance company will not pay. 

Before you attend the first appointment, do the following:

• Make a list of questions you have for your physical therapist.
• Write down your current symptoms and medical history.
• Gather lab results, diagnostic imaging, or other reports from your medical providers and take them to your appointment.
• Wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in during your session.

During

Your first physical therapy visit will involve a thorough evaluation. Your therapist will ask you questions about your injury, activity levels, health habits, lifestyle, and goals for therapy. Your therapist will also ask you to do a series of physical activities to assess your strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, posture, and more.

Subsequent therapy appointments will involve multiple techniques to reduce pain and improve your physical condition and range of motion. How many physical therapy sessions you need will depend on your progress. 

After

Ensure you follow your therapist’s orders after your therapy sessions and throughout your treatment. Do the exercises they instruct you to do between visits, and do not engage in activities they have advised against. Keep all your appointments. Failing to do any of these things could result in insurance refusing to pay for your treatment. 

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer to Recover Physical Therapy Costs?

You may want to hire a personal injury lawyer to recover the cost of your physical therapy if your insurer refuses to pay or will not fairly compensate your claim. You may also consider hiring an attorney if you suffered an injury because of an at-fault party’s behavior. 

Our firm can help you negotiate the maximum compensation possible from your provider and take action against a liable party. We will focus on your legal matter so you can focus on healing.

However, do not wait too long to get started. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely refuse your case. Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers About Your Physical Therapy Claim

Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers About Your Physical Therapy Claim

Insurance usually covers physical therapy, but sometimes getting compensated for it is easier said than done. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can lead your claim and explore your options for seeking damages from a liable party. 

When you work with our legal team, your case gets the attention it deserves. Our founding partners, Jason and Debi Chalik, work directly with every client. Contact us today for a free consultation.