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Patient Questions  /  Cost of PT with insurance

Starting Physical Therapy

How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost With Insurance?

It depends on your plan. Most people pay a copay, a set amount per visit, or coinsurance, a percentage of the cost, often after meeting a yearly deductible. Physical therapy usually means several visits, so these costs add up. It's worth checking your benefits before you start, and our front desk can help.

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The terms that decide what you pay

  • Deductible. The amount you pay each year before your plan starts paying its share.
  • Copay. A set amount you pay for each visit. Some plans charge a higher specialist copay for therapy.
  • Coinsurance. A percentage of the approved cost that you pay, usually after your deductible.
  • Out-of-pocket maximum. Once you reach it, your plan usually pays for covered care in full for the rest of the year.
  • Visit limits and approvals. Some plans cover a set number of therapy visits a year, and some need a referral or approval in advance.

If you have Medicare

Medicare Part B covers outpatient physical therapy that is medically necessary. With Original Medicare, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible, and a supplemental (Medigap) plan may cover some or all of that. Medicare Advantage plans cover therapy too, but copays and approval rules vary. Read more in Does Medicare cover physical therapy?

Questions to ask your plan

  • What is my copay or coinsurance for outpatient physical therapy?
  • How much of my deductible is left this year?
  • Is there a limit on therapy visits each year?
  • Do I need a referral or approval before I start?

When to see a doctor

Don't put off care while you sort out benefits. Get medical care right away if you have:

  • Numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels: get emergency care
  • An injury where you can't put weight on a leg, or a limb looks deformed
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or calf pain, swelling or warmth
  • Weakness, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg that is getting worse

How physical therapy at ARI can help

Our front desk can help you check your benefits before your first visit, including your copay, deductible, and any visit limits or referral rules. Call us at (661) 282-8584. Doing your home exercises between visits also helps you get the most from each visit.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026