Glossary
Physical therapy terms in plain English
RightPT is a cash-pay, out-of-network marketplace. Therapists don't bill insurance — you pay them directly, and most provide a superbill so you can ask your plan about out-of-network reimbursement afterward. How paying cash works →
Short, direct definitions for the words that show up in PT clinics, on superbills, and in these guides.
Guides
Allowed Amount
The allowed amount is the maximum price your insurance plan considers reasonable for a service. Out-of-network reimbursement percentages apply to this number — not to what you actually paid — which is why checks are sometimes smaller than expected.
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CPT Code
A CPT code is a standardized five-digit code describing a medical service — like 97110 for therapeutic exercise. On a physical therapy superbill, CPT codes tell your insurer exactly what happened in each session so your reimbursement claim can be processed.
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Deductible
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan starts sharing costs. Most plans track separate — and usually higher — deductibles for out-of-network care.
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Direct Access
Direct access means you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. Every U.S. state and DC allows some form of it, though some states limit how long treatment can continue before a physician gets involved.
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DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
DPT stands for Doctor of Physical Therapy — the three-year clinical doctorate that has been the standard entry degree for U.S. physical therapists for roughly two decades. Every licensed PT has completed doctoral-level training in anatomy, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.
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Out-of-Network
Out-of-network means a healthcare provider has no contract with your insurance plan. You pay the provider directly at their own price, and if your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you can submit a claim yourself for partial reimbursement.
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Superbill
A superbill is an itemized receipt from a healthcare provider that includes the diagnosis and treatment codes an insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim submitted by the patient.
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