Physical Therapists Lead the Way in Improving Outcomes and Reducing Costs
It’s no longer enough to simply provide excellent care; therapists need to show how their services can reduce overall healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
For example, therapists can reduce unnecessary specialist referrals, prevent hospitalizations, and manage chronic pain effectively—all of which directly contribute to reducing healthcare spending.
By focusing on outcomes that matter to payers, such as lowering readmission rates or reducing the need for costly treatments, therapists can demonstrate their value in the healthcare ecosystem.
This approach isn’t just about offering more services but about offering the right services more cost-effectively. Therapists can contribute meaningfully to improving care quality while also supporting financial sustainability.
For therapy practices, this is an opportunity to secure long-term, value-based contracts. The key is to engage in data-driven discussions and focus on the metrics that matter to payers—showing that therapy is an integral part of a more efficient, effective healthcare system.
As Dana Prommel Strauss says, “Therapists have a unique role to play, but only if they are willing to collaborate and adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare.”