OBJECTIVES: Physiotherapy services are reimbursed on a fee for service method in the ambulatory care in Hungary. The aim of this study is to analyze the utilization of physiotherapy services in Hungary. METHODS: Data were derived from the financial database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration, the only health care financing agency in Hungary. We analyzed the year 2008. Medical procedures which can be performed by physiotherapists were included into the study. Medical procedures are listed according to the Hungarian version of the International Classification of Procedures in Medicine of WHO. RESULTS: Altogether 151 medical procedures were used by physiotherapists. The following top-11 medical procedure were responsible for more than half (52.5 %) of total activities: ultrasound therapy (8.2 %), iontophorezis (6.5 %), muscle strengthening exercise (4.8 %), individual training (4.4 %), training for circulation improvement (4.1 %), hand massage (4.0 %), passive movement of multiple limb (4.0 %), middle frequency treatment (3.8 %), mobilization of joints (3.3 %), exercises against resistance (3.2 %), education of using medical devices (3.1 %), extension of contracture (3.1 %). Total annual health insurance reimbursement of physiotherapy services was 7.34 billion Hungarian Forint (42.7 million USD; 29.2 million EUR). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy care proved to be a highly concentrated health service where 11 medical procedures out of 151 are responsible of more than half of activity and health insurance reimbursement.