Upcoming change to physical therapy and massage therapy offered through Cornell Health

Beginning June 1, 2024, Cornell Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy will transition their scope of care and limit services to only the Cornell student community. 

• Faculty and staff members who are active physical therapy patients prior to June 1 will be able to continue their course of care with Cornell Health through its completion. 
• Faculty and staff seeking to begin new courses of PT care or massage therapy services on or after June 1, 2024 will be referred to community providers. 

Cornell Health’s core mission is to provide health and well-being services to the enrolled student population. In recent years, they have experienced a significant increase in demand for physical and massage therapy services, exceeding staffing capacities.

Cornell Health has made the difficult decision to limit services to the Cornell student community. Both Cornell Health and Human Resources recognize that Cornell Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy have been a convenient and popular resource for faculty and staff members and that this change will prove challenging for some. 

We have compiled resources and information to support employees seeking these services, including how to find community providers who are in-network with Cornell insurance.

Resources

Endowed

• The Aetna preferred provider list is available online through Doc Find, searchable by provider type, condition, procedure, name, and location.
• Compare Coverage by Plans
• Aetna also partners with Hinge Health, a digital exercise therapy program that provides virtual sessions and programs at no additional cost to eligible members with certain qualifying conditions. Services include a personalized exercise therapy program and dedicated 1-on-1 support with a physical therapist and health coach. Questions? Call (855) 902-2777.

Contract College

• The Empire Plan provider directory is available online, and filterable by specialty, location, conditions, procedures, and name.
• Compare Coverage by Plans

Flexible Spending Account Coverage

Physical and massage therapy services, when deemed medical necessary, are typically eligible reimbursable expenses for employees enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account for medical care. This account is a voluntary benefit available to help employees reduce their out-of-pocket expenses by saving money pre-tax.

Additional Resources:

• Employee Wellbeing at Cornell - includes resources for physical health.
• Cornell Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program (MIPP) - provides Ergonomic Evaluations.
• Cornell Wellness - provides fitness, nutrition, and general health and wellbeing consultations.