In an era where healthcare costs continue to escalate, achieving efficient clinical outcomes for our patients becomes increasingly important. Physical therapy has been the most effective and cost-efficient intervention for musculoskeletal conditions. Some may dismiss the value of PT in the healthcare continuum; however, the economic impact and positive outcomes associated with PT are undeniable.
Unveiling the economic benefits of PT
In 2023, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) released a groundbreaking study, “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States,” which underscores the substantial benefits of accessing physical therapy early across eight prevalent health conditions.
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According to the study, opting for physical therapy as the initial treatment can save the healthcare system millions of dollars annually. Specifically, accessing physical therapy as the initial intervention for a musculoskeletal condition results in cost savings of approximately $4,700 less per musculoskeletal (MSK) episode when compared to initiating care with imaging. Additionally, when physical therapy is sought out first, the overall cost of care is 54% less than when care is initiated with surgery, and 18% less when care is initiated with injections. In fact, early access to physical therapy lowers a patient’s probability of costly emergency department visits (15% reduction) and decreases fall risk while improving clinical outcomes overall.
These more costly interventions result in more than 38% of patients delaying medical treatment. In summary, data consistently demonstrates that conservative physical therapy provides substantial cost savings and improved outcomes compared to pharmaceuticals, imaging, injections, and surgeries.
Addressing the high patient cost burden
Despite these benefits, many patients face significant financial barriers to accessing physical therapy. Not only do they not choose PT as initial treatment for an injury, but at times, they skip PT altogether. The rise of high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) has led to a concerning trend of patients self-rationing care due to out-of-pocket costs. This is a critical issue that we must address head-on. Early intervention with physical therapy not only reduces overall MSK costs but also decreases the likelihood of opioid use and abuse—a significant public health concern.
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Lowering patient out-of-pocket expenses through thoughtful plan design is not only beneficial for the patients but also for the healthcare system at large. By advocating for policies that reduce these financial barriers, we can ensure that more patients benefit from early PT intervention, leading to better health outcomes and lower long-term costs.
Call to action
The economic and clinical benefits of physical therapy are clear. As the complexities in receiving adequate healthcare increase, it is imperative that we advocate for policies and practices that support access to early PT intervention. By doing so, clinical outcomes are improved, overall costs are reduced, independence in one’s community is maintained, and pain can be managed more effectively and safely.
Healthcare policymakers and health plans must recognize the potential to transform MSK care delivery through early access to physical therapy. By reducing reliance on unnecessary procedures and focusing on early, conservative treatments, we can achieve better clinical outcomes for patients and significant cost savings for the healthcare system. Let’s challenge the status quo and advocate for a more efficient, patient-centric approach to MSK care.
Photo: Kanawa_Studio, Getty Images
Bridget Morehouse is the Chief Strategy Officer at Confluent Health, where she leads strategic growth and operations for the company. She also serves on the board of the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality Initiatives (APTQI), shaping national payment policies and promoting advancements within physical therapy, and is an adjunct faculty member at Marquette University within their physical therapy program. Previously, Bridget chaired the APTA Private Practice Section Payment Policy committee.
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