What is home-based outpatient physical therapy?
A home-based outpatient physical therapy practice is one in which a licensed physical therapist treats patients in the patient’s home.
Other names include outpatient physical therapy in the home, mobile physical therapy, and concierge physical therapy.
Cash Pay Services
While some home-based outpatient physical therapy providers may choose to avoid contracting with third-party payers and only accept cash payment for services, most will choose to contract with Medicare Part B to avoid any potential mandatory claim submission law violations.
Does Medicare Part B Cover outpatient PT in the home?
Yes! According to CMS Chapter 15 Medicare Benefit Policy Manual section 230.4 subsection A: “Services should be furnished in the therapist’s or group’s office or in the patient’s home.“
*Screenshot taken from CMS Chapter 15
What are the main differences between home-based outpatient physical therapy and home health?
- No homebound requirement
- Medicare Part B coverage
- No OASIS Documentation
- No concurrent nursing care required
- Often higher functioning patient population
Who can start a home-based outpatient physical therapy practice?
Each state has specific guidelines regulating what licensed physical therapists can do when starting a private practice.
Some states specify all services delivered in the patient’s home are subject to the same home health regulations while other states allow more liberal business policies.
It is important that you research both state regulations and third-party payer regulations.
How much does it cost to start a home-based physical therapy business?
Home-based outpatient physical therapy business startup costs may vary based on specific patient demographic and treatment niches, state regulations, and owner desires.
Here in Ohio, a physical therapist may start this kind of business as a side hustle. We are allowed to start treating patients under our personal names and professional credentials. As the business grows it is recommended that you start a business entity, usually in the form of a limited liability company (LLC).
What equipment is needed?
Most therapists delivering home-based outpatient physical therapy services will do so with as little as a few Therabands, a laptop, and a genuine desire to help patients.
Manual-based therapists will usually travel with a treatment table in tow.
Examples of Home-Based Outpatient Physical Therapy Companies
Luna Physical Therapy is one of the fastest-growing home-based outpatient physical therapy companies. They hire individual physical therapists as 1099 contractors and provide those therapists with the equipment and contracting needed to start treating patients in the patient’s home.
Luna is growing quickly with plans to have a presence in all 50-states.
For more information on Luna watch this interview: Luna Physical Therapy Helping Therapists Grow Their Income in 2022
How much do home-based outpatient physical therapy providers charge?
Medicare part b pays the same for home-based outpatient physical therapy services as outpatient clinic-based physical therapy services.
To learn more about the Medicare Part B physical therapy fee schedule click here.
