Media Corner

Does Insurance Cover It?

Most chiropractic and physical-therapy treatments are reimbursed by health insurance, while more than 90 percent of massage therapy sessions are paid out of the client’s pocket.
When it comes to receiving third-party insurance reimbursement, only 18 percent of ABMP practitioners do so. Almost all such work is related to disability or accident rehabilitation.
The services of a massage therapist or bodywork professional may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist are often covered.
A number of health insurance plans now recognize massage by assembling networks of approved massage therapist providers. While few of these plans reimburse therapists for massage work, therapists provide their services to eligible clients for a 20 percent to 25 percent discount from their normal charge rates.
Some therapists have strong feelings about how the profession is viewed and compensated by the insurance industry. Click here to learn more.

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