Our healthcare system has a lot of flaws. There’s no doubt about it. But patient autonomy is a cornerstone of effective healthcare. I believe this is particularly significant in physical therapy, where the ability to choose where you receive care can greatly influence outcomes and overall satisfaction. As health systems like hospital networks and chains become larger, more powerful, and more complex, advocating for the right of patients to select their physical therapy provider—especially when considering private practice—becomes crucial.
Patient choice in physical therapy is essential for several reasons. It promotes a patient directed care, where individuals take an active role in their own health management. Always remember, you are your best advocate. When patients take advantage of their liberty to select their therapist and therapy setting, they are more likely to feel invested in their treatment. After practicing for more than 12 years, I can assure you that the more confident and comfortable you feel with your physical therapist, the better your outcomes will be. It leads to improved adherence to protocols, greater motivation, and a stronger commitment to achieving your personal goals.
Private physical therapy centers such as HealthSpan also offer a distinct set of benefits that make them an appealing choice for many patients. Unlike larger, corporate healthcare facilities and hospital systems, private practices often provide a more personalized and patient-centered approach. In a private practice, therapists typically have the autonomy to develop tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs and preferences of each patient. Everything from more convenient scheduling, to more transparent pricing models, higher customer service levels, and shorter wait times (we will dive into these things further in future blogs). This level of personalization can lead to more effective treatment, a more pleasant experience, and more value overall. Private practice therapists and support staff are not constrained by the standardized protocols that might be more prevalent in larger, more bureaucratic settings.
Unfortunately, as hospital systems and large corporations continue to grow and become more powerful, it becomes harder and harder help people understand that where they go for therapy is their choice. For example, several years ago you were handed a referral on a sheet of paper or prescription pad and given some options on where to go. Now, it is common for physical therapy to be discussed with your provider, however instead of giving you a referral, the patient just receives a phone call from the PT office at the hospital shortly after. Patients may not be informed that they have other options and feel that they must go to wherever is calling them. They have no idea that where they go is completely up to them.
I like to tell people that a referral for physical therapy is just like a prescription for a medication. You can take it to any physical therapy office, just like you can take your medication prescription to any pharmacy. You could get recommendations from friends and family, search social media for a business to resonate with, or you could even just Google “physical therapy near me”, and pick one of your choice.
We will dive deeper into this subject in the future. For now just know that it is YOUR RIGHT to choose where you go for physical therapy. It is your right to choose what pharmacy you use. It is your right to choose where you get your imaging done. It is your right to choose where you get your bloodwork done. Don’t forget it.
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