AquaHab Physical Therapy Implements Policy Changes and Flexible Treatment Plans to Help Patients Manage Rising Healthcare Costs

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As healthcare costs continue to rise, AquaHab Physical Therapy has implemented new policies and practices to ensure that treatments remain affordable for patients. The multi-clinic practice, which offers both land-based physical therapy and aquatic therapy, provides rehabilitative treatments and other physical therapy services to patients throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

"The current healthcare crisis is making it increasingly difficult for patients to afford essential care, and as a result, some are forgoing treatment due to financial concerns," said Les Littman, President and CEO of AquaHab, LP. "A few years ago, a week's worth of physical therapy would cost a patient about $60. Today, rising co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles and other costs have pushed that total as high as $120 to $180 per week. We are aware of the financial hardships patients are facing and have implemented solutions that address their needs and make treatment more affordable."

Several recent developments prompted AquaHab Physical Therapy to take action. In addition to rising insurance co-pays and related expenses, Littman noted that two decisions facing Congress this month may further impact patient costs: a 27.4% cut in Medicare reimbursement to healthcare service providers(1) and a Medicare therapy cap for outpatient rehabilitation services(2), both of which are scheduled to take effect March 1, 2012. Littman also expressed concern over the potential consequences of patients opting out of treatment, citing a study that showed increased co-pays led to fewer outpatient visits but more hospitalizations as a result of patients delaying or forgoing treatment.(3)

"We are committed to providing our patients with affordable and effective physical therapy that enhances their quality of life. In recognition of the financial challenges many face today, we revamped our financial hardship policy to operate in parallel with the federal government's poverty guidelines," explained Littman. "Lower-income patients are eligible for reduced co-pays - or even a full exemption - based on a calculation that takes their earnings and dependents into account. We feel this is an objective, direct and extremely fair way to help patients manage their healthcare costs."

Another way AquaHab Physical Therapy is helping patients reduce their healthcare expenses is by providing the option to replace one or more therapy sessions per week with a more extensive home exercise program, provided patients enter into a verbal contract to adhere to the treatment plan. Furthermore, upon completion of treatment, all patients receive a free 30-day pass to AquaHab's sister company, the Aquatic and Fitness Center. This enables patients to continue their aquatics and/or gym program at the same facility in which they received treatment and access their physical therapist if they have any follow-up questions or concerns.

With its comprehensive array of land-based and aquatic therapy services, AquaHab Physical Therapy can fulfill a wide range of health and wellness needs and minimize patients' recovery time. The practice's proven track record of successful outcomes has contributed to its outstanding reputation and enabled the business to continue to expand.

Individuals interested in learning about AquaHab's physical therapy and aquatic therapy services may request a free screening at any of the practice's four physical therapy clinics in the Philadelphia area: Northeast Philadelphia - 215-677-0400, ext. 1122; Bala Cynwyd - 610-664-6464, ext. 1308; Jenkintown - 215-887-8787, ext. 1418; or Cherry Hill, N.J. - 856-751-8899, ext. 1225. Free tours of the facilities are also available.

For additional details on AquaHab Physical Therapy - including clinic addresses and directions - visit http://www.aquaphysicaltherapy.com. 

About AquaHab Physical Therapy

Founded in 1991, AquaHab Physical Therapy is a service-driven business offering a full range of aquatic and land therapies. The practice employs an experienced and highly trained clinical team of licensed physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, registered/licensed occupational therapists, and registered dieticians. In addition to rehabilitative services, AquaHab Physical Therapy provides total wellness solutions in partnership with its sister company, the Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC). Both organizations share state-of-the-art facilities at four locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, including Northeast Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Jenkintown, Pa., as well as Cherry Hill, N.J. For more information, visit http://www.aquaphysicaltherapy.com or call 866-577-3422.

1 Glendinning, David. "27% Medicare pay cut to return March 1 unless Congress makes new deal." American Medical News; December 27, 2011. http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/26/gvsd1227.htm

2 Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2011; HR 1546, S 829. <House: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h1546/ Senate: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s829/>

3 Trivedi, Amal N.; Husein Moloo; and Vincent Mor. "Increased Ambulatory Care Copayments and Hospitalizations among the Elderly." The New England Journal of Medicine; January 28, 2010. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa0904533

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SOURCE AquaHab Physical Therapy