Why Billing is a Major Hurdle for Physical Therapists and How to Fix It?
Billing is often one of the most daunting aspects of running a physical therapy practice. While physical therapists focus on delivering care and improving patient outcomes, the complexities of billing and revenue cycle management (RCM) can create significant roadblocks to operational efficiency and financial stability. Let’s dive into why billing poses such a challenge for physical therapists and explore actionable strategies to overcome it. Key Challenges in Physical Therapy Billing: 1. Frequent Insurance Denials Physical therapy claims are often denied due to insufficient documentation, coding errors, or failing to meet payer requirements. Insurance companies may question the medical necessity of certain treatments or procedures, leading to delays in reimbursement. 2. Complex Coding Requirements Physical therapy services require precise coding using CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes. Mistakes in coding—even minor ones—can result in rejected claims, audits, or revenue l