How to Get Your Doctor to Approve Massage for Insurance
It's interesting that healing techniques that have been practiced for thousands of years are now known as "nontraditional medicine." Massage therapy is a good remedy for many complaints of the joints and muscles, as well as some chronic illnesses. Not all doctors readily approve massage therapy, which means not all insurance companies will pay for it. If you feel you need massage therapy, use these steps to try to get it OK'd through insurance.
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Instructions
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Find out the exact requirements under your health insurance policy for approval of massage therapy. These might be explained in connection with referrals, specialists, physical therapy or alternative medicine. Some policies may not cover massage at all.
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Fulfill all requirements for the referral that fall on you. This might mean researching providers, finding medical information supporting the referral (e.g., results of scientific studies on your specific condition as reported on reliable, authoritative websites) or doing any other task you think would improve your chances of approval.
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Talk with your doctor specifically about massage therapy. Tell her why you feel you need it and what you hope to accomplish. Most doctors are willing to work with you if you seem to have done your homework. In some cases, the doctor will know additional steps in the referral process you'll need to walk through.
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Complete any additional steps the doctor advises. This could mean getting a second opinion, completing medical exams or filling out paperwork.
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Make your appointment with the massage therapist. Advise the therapist that your insurance will be paying for your treatment. In some cases, your choice of massage therapist will be limited by your insurance company.
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Complete all necessary paperwork as quickly as possible to make sure your insurance company pays out.
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Tips & Warnings
If you know a massage therapist, speak with her about getting paid by insurance. Insurance payouts represent the bulk of many massage therapists' income, and they tend to know the best way to navigate most major companies in their area.
Massage therapy can be hazardous for a few specific conditions. Check with your doctor and your massage therapist before beginning a new program of treatment.
