How many physical therapy sessions does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

Asked by: Ismael Ernser  |  Last update: February 18, 2025
Score: 5/5 (9 votes)

Coverage for Physical Therapy is limited to 40 visits per benefit period. Coverage for Occupational Therapy is limited to 40 visits per benefit period. Coverage for speech therapy is limited to 40 visits per benefit period. Coverage for Physical Therapy is limited to 40 visits per benefit period.

How many PT visits does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

Standard Option - You Pay

Note: Benefits are limited to 75 visits per person, per calendar year for physical, occupational, or speech therapy, or a combination of all three. Note: Visits that you pay for while meeting your calendar year deductible count toward the limit cited above.

How many PT appointments does insurance cover?

For instance, you might pay a $30 co-pay for each physical therapy session after meeting your deductible. Coverage Limits: Many insurance plans limit the number of annual physical therapy visits, often covering 20 to 60 sessions, depending on your plan and medical necessity.

How much does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover for therapy?

If you choose a therapist who is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, your therapy sessions likely cost between $15 - $50 per session, after you meet your deductible. The $15 - $50 amount is your copay, or the fixed amount that you owe at each therapy visit.

How long does insurance cover physical therapy?

Most insurance plans put a cap on how many physical therapy visits will be covered. A typical plan could only cover 30 physical therapy visits per year. After that, you'd have to pay the full cost yourself. This limit applies for the whole year, rather than for each condition you treat.

Connecting Behavioral and Physical Care

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Do you pay a copay every visit for physical therapy?

Most insurance companies cover a portion of the physical therapy bill and leave the rest for you to cover with a copay. This payment will need to be made for every PT session you attend. Ask your insurance company about your financial responsibility for PT before you make your first appointment.

How many sessions does physical therapy have?

On average, it can take around a few weeks to a few months to complete physical therapy treatment depending on severity and how consistent you are in your care. On average patients see their PT for about 10-12 visits, and you continue your exercises after physical therapy appointments are done.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover massages?

Some insurance companies that cover medically prescribed massage include BlueCross/Blue Shield, United Health Care, Cigna, and Aetna.

How much is the copay for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield therapy?

Many Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance plans require the client to pay a copayment that may be between $15-30 each session. Other plans require that the client pays a coinsurance, which may range from 20-80%.

How much is a physical therapy session with insurance?

Note that if you have insurance to cover physical therapy, you likely won't be paying the entire amount yourself. The average copay for a physical therapy visit is between $25 and $50.

Why is my physical therapy not covered by insurance?

For example, a patient may have reached their maximum benefits for the year, or their policy may not cover certain services, such as physical or occupational therapy. Other eligibility issues include: Inactive or terminated insurance policies. Insufficient coverage for the service provided.

How many physical therapy appointments do I need?

On average, non-surgical patients graduate in about 12 visits, but often start to feel improvement after just a few sessions.

How many people does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, also known as BCBS, BCBSA, or The Blues, is a United States–based federation with 33 independent and locally operated BCBSA companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the U.S. as of 2022. Tax ID no. 200 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Does Blue Cross require a referral for physical therapy?

Similar to Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and Aetna, Medicare generally allows for direct access to physical therapy services without a referral. It's important to note that policies can change, and the best way to get accurate and up-to-date information is to contact your insurance provider directly.

How much does a CT scan cost with Blue Cross Blue Shield?

2. How much does a CT scan cost with Blue Cross Blue Shield? Insurers can decide to cover a CT scan based on a patient's condition, where the scan takes place and how many scans are needed. You can expect Blue Cross Blue Shield to pick up some of the cost, leaving you to pay between $400 and $700.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover therapy?

Yes, therapy covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield includes treatment for anxiety and related disorders, such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety.

Can I get massages covered by insurance?

A referral from your doctor can help you get insurance coverage for massage therapy. It can also be established as an important health benefit. Massage therapists are not allowed to diagnose medical conditions. Therefore, a prescription or referral from a physician is required for reimbursement.

Does physical therapy include massage?

Yes. But they can be painful, and getting a “massage” from a physical therapist (PT) is not the calming experience with music and aromatic lotion you may be hoping for. In PT lingo, a massage is termed “soft-tissue mobilization” (STM) and is applied to a select region of the body, and only when indicated for treatment.

How many therapy sessions do you get?

Many people will reach their goals in around 12 to 20 sessions. And many others benefit from longer-term work over several years. We're flexible to work with you as long as you need and will support you as long as it helps. At the start, it will help to see your therapist either weekly or fortnightly.

How to know how much therapy will cost with insurance?

Know your policy

Under your EOB, the cost of mental health services should be listed, including therapy, under “allowed amount.” If your therapist's fee is $125, for example, and your copay is $50, you would pay $50 for each session. Insurance would pay the remaining $75.

Why is therapy not covered by insurance?

Provider Restrictions: Often, insurance plans will only cover therapy if you see a provider who accepts insurance that is "in-network," which limits your options and may not include your preferred therapist.

How many times a week should you go to physical therapy?

1 – 3 days a week

Your physical therapist will collaborate with you in determining what works best for both your schedule and body type. Usually, patients begin with one or two sessions per week; however, if you're in pain or on a long road to recovery, your therapist may recommend three visits per week.

How many PT sessions to see a difference?

To get better results, a short 3rd or 4th workout in the week can make a big difference. 3 PT sessions per week – this can be really useful if you have a pressing goal like a wedding or holiday, or if you just want to see quick results fast.

Is PT twice a week enough?

Typically, physical therapists recommend two to three sessions per week for acute injuries or immediate post-surgical recovery. As you improve, the number of sessions might decrease. One or twice a week could be sufficient to manage chronic conditions or less severe injuries.