What Are The Questions You Need To Ask Your Insurer About The Coverage For Massage Therapy
After youve confirmed that your insurer covers massage therapies, there are a few other questions you need to ask. This will help you understand how your insurance policy works in terms of getting this type of treatment.
- What are the requirements you need to meet to qualify for reimbursement?
- Is there any out-of-pocket cost? How much do you need to pay?
- What is the maximum amount that your plan will cover for every visit?
- What is the annual maximum amount payable for every policy term?
- What is the maximum time limit for the massage therapy session? What is the session time limit for each body region?
- Is there a list of massage therapists whose services are covered by your insurance plan?
- What types of massages are covered?
Is Massage Therapy Covered By Insurance
The Balance / Sabrina Jiang
Massage therapy can have many medical benefits. It can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and help with pain relief, stress, and anxiety.
Massage therapy is considered a part of complementary and alternative medicines . CAM can be used to complement standard medical treatment by doctors when addressing certain medical conditions and situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 23.5% of American adults spent money on complementary health measures at least once in 2012.
Learn about massage therapy insurance coverage and how to find out whether your provider covers it.
Billing Massage Therapy To Medical Insurance
Many medical insurance plans cover massage and manual therapy. This benefit is typically covered under either your chiropractic or rehabilitation/physical therapy benefits. Starting in 2015, the majority of insurance carriers have begun allowing massage therapists to bill for massage and manual therapy under their own licensure. If your carrier does not allow licensed massage therapists to bill for massage we may be able to bill your insurance under our supervising chiropractor, depending on your medical insurance policy.
We will be happy to verify your insurance benefits to determine whether or not you have coverage for our services prior to your scheduled appointment and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Also Check: Personal Training And Massage Therapy
Read Also: Massage That Will Come To Your House
Does Insurance Cover Massage Therapy
by Jessica Ferdowsian | Sep 29, 2022 | Articles, Wellness
At Governors Park Chiropractic, chiropractic care is just the beginning of what we offer our patients. In addition to general chiropractic adjustments, we offer a range of treatments to help us better serve our patients. These healthcare services include acupuncture, therapy and rehabilitation, spinal decompression, and even professional massage therapy.
But before beginning any treatment program, its important to know whether or not your therapy will be covered by your insurance plan. While chiropractic care is accepted by most insurance plans, alternative therapies, such as massage therapy, may present more complications when it comes to coverage. In this blog, were taking a closer look at massage therapy and answering whether or not insurance covers massage therapy.
Governors Park Chiropractic is your leading full-service chiropractic office in Colorado and serves patients throughout the greater Denver area. Our premier chiropractic office offers our patients a range of healthcare treatments, including chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, acupuncture, and even custom orthotics. With a level of unmatched dedication and experience, our team at Governors Park Chiropractic can speed up your recovery time, relieve your chronic pain and stiffness, and restore mobility throughout your body. Together, we begin your journey toward better health and wellness.
Aca Major Medical Health Insurance For Massage Therapists
The first and most comprehensive insurance coverage is through ACA major medical plans. Major medical plans have several positive benefits as well as a few downsides to consider. Depending on your level of coverage needs, an ACA plan may be exactly what you need. Overall, ACA health insurance programs are more comprehensive, offer better coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, and provide more coverage for consistent medical maintenance.
Some of the best benefits of major medical insurance are:
Although health insurance benefits for massage therapists through ACA major medical plans are great, there are some negatives to consider. Some of the downsides to think about are:
- ACA health insurance plans have a higher monthly premium. Because major medical plans offer more benefits and coverage than short-term insurance, they have a higher monthly premium. This upfront cost will vary from plan to plan but is still a major contributing factor when finding the right health insurance for massage therapists.
- ACA plans have limited application windows. Unlike short-term plans where you can apply year-round, major medical plans have specific times of the year or require particular prerequisites. These requirements can deter some from choosing an ACA health insurance package.
- ACA health insurance plans take longer for coverage to take effect. On average, a major medical plan will take 4-6 weeks for coverage to become active. Short-term coverage usually begins within 10-14 days.
Read Also: Where To Massage To Clear Sinuses
Are Your Massage Therapists Covered
So, ask yourself, what kind of coverage should my employed massage therapists carry? Its important to support your employed massage therapist in obtaining a liability insurance policy that meets their needs and protects your practice.
Its important to guarantee that every member of your professional team thats working in a hands-on way with patients is covered.
Having coverage through a massage therapy liability company like Massage Magazine Insurance Plus ensures that the massage therapists employed at your chiropractic office and you are covered. Your massage therapist liability insurance policy can include additional insured names on their policy which covers you, your practice, and the massage therapist.
Communicate With Your Doctor
Insurance can be frustrating for anyone and everyone to deal with that isnt an insurance agent or seller, so, doctors may be willing to work with you on finding a diagnosis that will be covered by your insurance policy.
If youve looked into some treatments for your pain and have decided that massage therapy may be useful, communicate that with your doctor. Advocate for yourself by saying youd like to try massage therapy and see if they will recommend it for you.
Once your doctor has agreed to prescribe massage therapy as your treatment, ask them to diagnose the problem in the most general way possible. A term like muscle pain will allow a massage therapist to treat you more broadly and easily.
It can also be helpful to ask that the prescription not specify the frequency or number of massages this can allow you to receive the therapy more times without having to pay out-of-pocket.
Recommended Reading: Team Wellness And Massage Center
Why Choose Nip And Tuck Plastic Surgery For Lymphatic Massage & Cavitation
Dr. Jones is a highly qualified and specialized plastic surgeon. With the highest care and regard for the quality of his work, lymphatic massage and cavitation can enhance your results and recovery, getting you back to your life with less discomfort and sooner results. By having your treatments under one roof, Dr. Jones can closely monitor your progress and customize a plan especially built around your individual needs.
You May Like: Stillwell Family Chiropractic And Massage
Getting Insurance To Cover Massage
If you want your health insurance to cover massage therapy, you may have to have your massage therapy prescribed or recommended by a doctor. In a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association, 67% of respondents said that their physician recommended they get a massage.
Recommended Reading: Osaki Vs Panasonic Massage Chair
How Do I Bill Cpt 97140
CPT CODE: 97140: Manual Therapy Techniques: EXAMPLE #2: CPT CODE: 97140: Manual Therapy Techniques: EXAMPLE #2: CPT CODE: 97 Manual Therapy Techniques . Youd be allowed to charge at 200 percent of Medicares basic rate, which is $53.00. You would be paid 80 percent of the $53.00 invoiced, or $42.40.
Is Massage Therapy Covered By Hsa
Your HSA may cover massage therapy. You may need a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor in order to authorize treatment.
|
Key Takeaways |
The best way to get coverage for massage therapy is to have the right health plan. Enter your zip code below or call 855.214.2291 to receive your free health insurance quotes in minutes.
About the Author
Also Check: Can A Massage Help With Anxiety
Why Do I Need Massage Liability Insurance
Massage liability insurance is required by many businesses if you work as an employee or an independent contractor. If you are not required by an employer or if are self-employed, it is still a good idea to always have massage liability insurance when working with clients. Even skilled and experienced therapists can make mistakes, or be accused of doing something that resulted in harm to a client. Liability insurance covers the amount that you could be legally obligated to pay should there be a claim against you for a covered incident. For massage therapists, liability insurance is relatively affordable, especially when compared to a lawsuit that could easily cost thousands of dollars.
Need To Pass The Mblexcheck Out Our Complete Mblex Prep Course
MBLExGuides complete MBLEx Prep Course provides massage students and therapists with an organized and comprehensive review of all 7 content areas of the massage licensing exam. This course along with our practice tests and quizzes provides a convenient and structured test prep solution to prepare for the massage exam.
You May Like: Massage Places That Accept Insurance
Are Video Visits With A Massage Therapy Doctor Online Covered By My Insurance
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Massage Therapy doctors who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Optional Business Personal Property Coverage
Business personal property coverage is offered exclusively for our members for an additional fee. Business personal property can cover the named insured for lost, stolen, or damaged property of the business, such as equipment , furniture, or other business property that is not a permanent part of the building structure. Learn more about Business Personal Property insurance for massage therapists, and how easy it is to add it when you join or renew, or at any point during your membership.
Read Also: Massage Therapy Schools Nyc Cost
What If I Have Medicare Advantage
While original Medicare doesnt cover massage therapy, some Medicare Advantage plans may.
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans. Theyre approved by Medicare, and they cover everything original Medicare does. However, these plans often extend coverage to other areas of treatment, including vision and dental care.
As of 2019, therapeutic massage is covered as a supplemental benefit under some Medicare Advantage plans. According to CMS, about 270 Medicare Advantage plans offer massage coverage, covering nearly 1.5 million enrollees.
For Medicare Advantage to cover massage therapy, youll need to:
Your Medicare Advantage plan may not cover 100 percent of the costs of your massage therapy. You may still owe a copayment or deductible.
Whats more, Medicare Advantage plans with these additional areas of coverage often cost more than more limited plans. However, those higher plan costs may be offset by the costs they cover for additional benefits.
You May Like: Personal Massage Therapist At Home
Does Medicare Cover Massage Therapy
- Find out the answer to the question does Medicare cover massage therapy, including information about whats covered by Medigap and Medicare Advantage policies.
Massage therapy isnt just an effective way to relax it can also help treat various health conditions. However, ongoing massage therapy can be expensive, so many people want to know if their health care insurance will help them cover the costs. Does Medicare cover massage therapy? Find out the answer below as well as whether it will pay for any alternatives.
Also Check: Petra’s Massage And Weight Loss Clinic
With Massage Therapy Coverage Cost
Like all benefits, the more coverage a policy offers, the more it usually costs. The cost will vary by insurer. Taking health insurance through an employer can save you money because the employer will often pay part of the cost of the premium for you, and may also offer health insurance plans with more benefits, like massage therapy. If the massage is considered rehabilitative or is medically necessary, then insurance will not cost you more, as this may fall under the coverage of the Affordable Care Acts 10 essential health benefits.
Why Doesnt Insurance Always Cover Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is considered an alternative form of treatment similar to chiropractic, which insurance companies dont always cover. Also, massage therapy may not be covered by your provider if it is considered maintenance because treatment that is supportive rather than corrective is not covered by health insurance. You likely wont be covered if a significant change is not expected to come from further treatment.
Read Also: Deep Tissue Massage Madison Wi
What Is Massage Therapy Liability Insurance
Youre likely familiar with liability insurance in a chiropractic setting. Its probable that you, your practice, and those that work alongside you are covered by a comprehensive policy. But what is massage therapist liability insurance? And further, does it work differently than other liability policies do?
Massage therapist liability insurance like other forms of liability insurance is all about safeguarding a professional from the inherent risk that comes with doing their job. Massage therapists, like chiropractors, work very closely with your patients and with that comes a certain degree of risk .
This type of unique insurance is designed to cover massage therapists and their unique services in the unlikely and unfortunate probability that a claim is made against them, their business, or their service.
Coverage Of Massage Insurance
Though the annual cost is a major deciding factor, when it comes to massage therapy liability insurance, you want to be certain that the coverage is right for you. Not all insurance is created equal and it is vital to make sure that your specialty is going to be covered before signing up for massage therapy insurance.
Massage insurance from NACAMS covers a whole host of modalities including:
Acupressure
Acupressure therapy, also called acupoint massage, is an ancient system of alternative medicine centered on the flow of qi in the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the life energy which flows throughout the bodys 12 meridians or healing energy channels. The belief is a blockage in one of these meridians will result in an imbalance of qi and lead to illness. While Western massage therapy aims at releasing tension within the muscles and fascia, acupressure aims at releasing tension within the acupoints.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a modality of massage therapy, as well as an alternative medicine, which utilizes highly concentrated essential oils and other aromatic materials to improve cognitive function, mood and health. The essential oils are extracted from natural plant parts , mixed with other active ingredients , and then applied via aerial diffusion, direct inhalation, or a topical application.
Asian Bodywork Therapy
Ayurvedic Bodywork
Craniosacral Therapy
Deep-Tissue Massage
Lymphatic Therapy
Medical Massage
Myofascial Release
Oncology Massage
Don’t Miss: Where Can I Get A Massage Locally
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Insurance By Industry Experts
Massage AwayYour Ills
A special type of massage designed to reduce swelling from the lymphoedema, Manual Lymphatic Drainage aims to move fluid from the swollen area to an area where the lymphatic system is working normally.
While Manual Lymphatic Drainage can have some real benefits to health, it isnt without its risks. Nausea and vomiting are common side-effects experienced by patients, and it can even have an effect on blood sugar. Because there are risks involved with the treatment, its important for practitioners of the treatment to have the correct cover, to protect themselves and their business from claims.
Because Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be a crucial tool to aiding major diseases like cancer, weve included treatment liability cover in both our Salon Gold Beauty Therapist and Salon Gold Holistic Therapist insurance policies. This means that, even if a client experiences some adverse side-effects from the treatment, youll be completely covered by your policy, which gives you more time to focus on what you do best.
Quick Links: