If you’re considering direct care physical therapy but wondering how to make the most of your healthcare dollars, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we receive at MKE Physical Therapy is whether patients can use their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for our services.
The short answer: Yes, you absolutely can use your FSA or HSA for cash pay physical therapy services.
Understanding FSA and HSA Accounts
Before diving into how to use these accounts for physical therapy, let’s clarify what they are:
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are employer-sponsored benefit programs that allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. These accounts typically operate on a “use it or lose it” basis, meaning funds must be used within the plan year.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged savings accounts available to those enrolled in high-deductible health plans. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year to year and remain yours even if you change employers.
Both accounts offer significant tax advantages, essentially allowing you to pay for healthcare with pre-tax dollars, which can save you 20-30% on your medical expenses depending on your tax bracket.
Why Direct Care Physical Therapy Makes Financial Sense
Direct physical therapy often provides better value than insurance-based care, even before considering FSA/HSA benefits. At MKE Physical Therapy, our sessions start at $245 for an initial evaluation and can be as low as $165 for follow-ups with our plan of care packages.
Compare this to traditional insurance-based physical therapy, where:
- Evaluation costs average $388
- Each separate treatment (therapeutic exercise, manual therapy) is billed individually
- Total costs can reach $814 per session before insurance
- You may still be responsible for high co-pays or full payment until you meet your deductible
When you factor in that our sessions are 60+ minutes of one-on-one care (versus the typical 30-45 minute insurance-based sessions), the value becomes even clearer.
How to Use Your FSA or HSA for Physical Therapy
Using your FSA or HSA for direct care physical therapy at MKE Physical Therapy is straightforward:
- Verify eligibility: Physical therapy provided by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy (like Dr. Rebecca Nault) is considered a qualified medical expense for both FSA and HSA accounts.
- Payment methods:
- Many FSA/HSA administrators provide debit cards that can be used directly at our office
- If you don’t have an FSA/HSA card, you can pay using another method and submit for reimbursement
- Documentation: We provide detailed receipts that include:
- Our practice name and address
- Dr. Nault’s credentials and NPI number
- Date of service
- Description of service (physical therapy)
- Cost of service
- Reimbursement: If you need to submit for reimbursement, simply provide this receipt to your FSA/HSA administrator through their normal claims process.
Do I Need a Prescription to Use FSA/HSA Funds?
This is another common question. In most cases, you do not need a prescription or referral to use your FSA or HSA funds for physical therapy services in Wisconsin.
As a doctoral-level physical therapist practicing in Wisconsin, Dr. Nault can provide direct access care without physician referral. Wisconsin is one of 26 states with direct access provisions for physical therapy, meaning you can save both time and money by coming directly to us.
However, some FSA/HSA administrators may have their own policies. If your administrator requests additional documentation, we’re happy to work with you to provide what’s needed.
Planning Your Healthcare Spending
If you have FSA funds that need to be used before they expire, physical therapy can be an excellent investment in your health. Consider these strategies:
- End-of-year planning: If you have FSA funds that will expire, scheduling a physical therapy evaluation can help address those nagging issues you’ve been putting off
- Preventative care: Even if you’re not in pain right now, a physical therapy assessment can identify potential problems before they become painful and expensive
- Package purchases: Our treatment packages can be purchased in advance with FSA/HSA funds, even if some of the sessions will occur in the following year (check with your specific FSA administrator for any limitations)
The Bottom Line: Better Care at a Better Value
Using your FSA or HSA for direct care physical therapy at MKE Physical Therapy gives you:
- Tax savings: Pay for therapy with pre-tax dollars
- Better value: Longer, one-on-one sessions with your physical therapist
- Fewer total visits: Our comprehensive approach often requires fewer total sessions, saving additional cost
- No insurance hassles: No referrals, authorizations, or claim denials to worry about
At MKE Physical Therapy, we believe healthcare should be transparent, accessible, and focused entirely on you. Using your FSA or HSA funds for our services aligns perfectly with this philosophy by maximizing the value of your healthcare dollars.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t let FSA funds expire or miss out on the tax advantages of your HSA. Schedule your evaluation today and take control of both your physical wellness and your healthcare spending.
Schedule an Appointment or call us at (414) 502-8321 to learn more about using your FSA or HSA for direct care physical therapy.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended as financial or tax advice. Please consult with your FSA/HSA administrator or tax professional regarding your specific situation.
