Is Massage Therapy Medically Necessary?

Massage therapy is increasingly becoming an established and reputable form of healthcare. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from repetitive strain injuries to postoperative trauma. In some cases, massage therapy may even be considered medically necessary by a qualified physician and eligible for insurance coverage. To determine if massage therapy is covered by your insurance plan, the best thing to do is to get a prescription or referral from your doctor.

Your healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or chiropractor, must issue a prescription to show that massage therapy is a medical necessity. Therapeutic massage is any type of massage that works on the soft tissues of the body, such as skin, muscles, and tendons. It can help relieve the shooting pain or burning sensation associated with sciatica by triggering the release of endorphins. Before you book a massage therapy session, you should make sure that your insurer covers the treatment.

That's why it's best to call your insurance company first before booking an appointment for massage therapy. In some cases, massage therapy may be covered by an employer-sponsored health insurance plan known as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax money for certain medical expenses. To qualify, you may need to get a medical necessity letter.

Original Medicare comprises Part A, which covers hospitalization insurance, and Part B, which deals with health insurance. A case that is medically necessary or referred for therapy by a doctor is not necessarily an insurance case. According to the Internal Revenue Service, therapy you receive as part of medical treatment may qualify for reimbursement from the HSA or FSA.Be willing to look for alternatives if the massage treatment isn't covered by your insurance plan. The sports medicine and physical therapy clinic offers professional medical diagnosis and effective treatment options for debilitating illnesses, repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, concussions, and postoperative trauma.