Important Insurance Update: Cigna & Florida Blue Patients Must Transition Away from Hospital Outpatient PT After October 1
Starting October 1, 2025, patients with Cigna and Florida Blue insurance will face a major change in where they can receive outpatient physical therapy. These insurance providers will no longer cover physical therapy services in hospital-based outpatient clinics, except in very specific circumstances.
What This Means for Patients
Cigna members: Hospital outpatient PT is considered “not medically necessary” unless special criteria are met (such as needing highly specialized equipment, certain wound care, or when no private practice is available nearby).
Florida Blue members: Many plans are tightening prior authorization rules and limiting hospital outpatient coverage. Patients may face higher out-of-pocket costs if they continue care at a hospital clinic.
Why Is This Happening?
Insurance companies are shifting care away from hospital systems because those settings often charge two to five times more for the same physical therapy services compared to independent clinics. This change is aimed at lowering healthcare costs, but it may disrupt patients who are currently being seen in hospital outpatient centers.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Hospital-based PT departments will see fewer patients.
Independent private practices and rehab agencies (like ours) are expected to see an increase in patients looking for new providers.
Patients with complex medical needs may have to go through extra insurance steps to prove hospital-based care is required.
Why Choose a Private Practice Like Hohman Rehab?
At Hohman Rehab, you’ll receive the same (if not better) level of care without the confusion, higher costs, or restrictions tied to hospital outpatient clinics. We provide:
Individualized, one-on-one therapy sessions
Faster scheduling with less red tape
Specialized programs in balance, swelling disorders, fall prevention, and more
Take Action Now
If you are a Cigna or Florida Blue member, it’s important to plan ahead. Waiting until after October 1 could delay your care or leave you scrambling to find an approved clinic.
👉 We strongly encourage you to schedule your evaluation with us now to secure your spot. That way, you can continue your recovery without interruption and with peace of mind.
Written By:
Dr. Katie Hohman, PT, DPT, CLT
Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Founder
