Is Chiropractic Care Covered by Insurance?

Say you wake up one day with a stiff neck and radiating back pain. Over-the-counter medication doesn’t offer the relief you’d like, so you think about visiting a chiropractor. There is just one thing keeping you from heading to the clinic: insurance coverage concerns.

Is chiropractic care covered by insurance? Our experts at ChiroCare of Florida are here to address common patient concerns regarding chiropractic insurance coverage. 

Why Should You See a Chiropractor?

Visiting a chiropractor offers many health benefits to people of all ages. Athletes often seek chiropractic care to recover from muscle sprains and other sports injuries. Pregnant women experiencing back pain may find relief through prenatal chiropractic treatments. 

The list doesn’t end there. Consider making an appointment if you’re suffering from an acute musculoskeletal injury or a condition that causes chronic pain. Medical professionals target the source of the problem instead of just masking the symptoms. 

By working with a chiropractor in Port St. Lucie, FL, you could safely reduce muscle tension, correct misaligned joints, and decrease inflammation caused by an injury. 

Health Insurance Coverage Is Common, Though Restrictions May Apply

Many health insurance plans will cover certain aspects of chiropractic care. However, exact coverage limitations differ for every insured patient, depending on their individual coverage and the services they’re seeking. 

Common coverage limitations include:

• A required referral: Some plans only cover chiropractic visits if the patient receives a referral from their primary care physician first, which emphasizes that the treatment is medically necessary. 
• Treatment for pre-existing conditions: Those with pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders may be excluded from coverage. 
• Visit frequency restrictions: Insurers may only cover a select number of visits over a certain period. Exceeding this limit could force someone to pay out of pocket.
• Maintenance care: Insurance companies may only cover treatment for acute pain or sudden injuries rather than long-term care. 
• Unavailable out-of-network benefits: If a patient sees a provider outside of their insurance network, their insurer won’t extend any coverage benefits. 

So, is chiropractic care covered by your insurance? The only way to find out your exact coverage options is to contact your health insurance provider. Ask for a detailed summary of chiropractic coverage options, limitations, and in-network chiropractors near you. 

Healthcare advocacy is a common goal for chiropractors. Many providers want greater insurance coverage within the field, as this may encourage more patients to seek treatment. 

How Auto and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Views Chiropractic Care

Let’s say you were rear-ended at a stop sign, which left you experiencing whiplash symptoms. You decide to see a chiropractic doctor to treat your symptoms. Will such care be covered by your insurance?

It’s possible, especially for drivers with Personal Injury Protection insurance. These policies help cover medical bills following an accident, including chiropractic care for whiplash treatment. 

What if you slip, fall, and hurt your back at work? Oftentimes, injured employees use workers’ compensation insurance to pay for their accident-related medical costs. 

What Type of Chiropractic Treatment Does Insurance Cover?

It doesn’t matter if you become hurt in an auto accident, tweak your back during your daily routine, or even experience lumbar pain due to pregnancy. As long as your insurance policy covers chiropractic care, you can go to a clinic for fast and affordable treatment. Some of the services that providers often bill insurers for include:

• A physical exam
• Diagnostic imaging tests
• Soft tissue therapies
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Injury rehabilitation

Some people face insurance copayments at every appointment. Check with your insurance provider beforehand to determine if you need to pay anything up front. 

Coverage often boils down to whether the services are medically necessary. For example, if you injure your ankle while playing a sport, immediate treatment is necessary for a swift recovery.

On the other hand, a healthy athlete may regularly go to a chiropractic clinic for massage therapy. They claim that the massage therapy prevents muscle soreness and improves their performance on the field. Insurers may not view this type of treatment as medically necessary and potentially exclude it from their coverage. 

Receive Comprehensive Treatment From a Trusted Chiropractor

Not only is chiropractic care covered by insurance in many instances, but it is also one of the most effective ways to treat musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. Whether an auto accident, workplace incident, or sports injury leaves you hurt, ChiroCare of Florida is here to help you recover. 

We accept most health insurance plans as well as auto and workers’ comp insurance. To schedule an appointment, call (772) 336-8600.