Be aware of your financial responsibilities before beginning treatment.
You may feel uncomfortable discussing finances with your chiropractor's office staff, especially before your first visit, but settling these details now saves you greater discomfort later. Unexpected financial obligations can not only delay your treatment, but also affect its outcome. How well you communicate with your doctor can directly influence your health, according to a 2007 study reported in Science Daily.
Is a referral required?
You don't need a referral simply to visit a chiropractor, but you may still require one for payment, depending on your insurance coverage. Certain health insurance providers view chiropractors as specialists requiring referrals. Check with your provider before scheduling a chiropractic appointment.
What is the up-front cost?
The amount you owe at your visit depends on your insurance coverage. Some plans apply co-pays to doctor visits, so you pay a set fee each time you see your chiropractor. You may also need to meet a deductible--a specific amount of your annual medical care paid out-of-pocket--before your insurance company begins paying for chiropractic visits.
How much will health insurance cover?
Many insurance providers impose an annual limit for chiropractic care, restricted to a certain dollar amount or number of visits. Your chiropractor's office will confirm your coverage and determine any limits, and your doctor will develop a treatment plan that fits within your budget.
Are work-related injuries different?
Before proceeding with your care, find out if your employer carries workers' compensation insurance. These policies cover work-related injuries without using up visits or funds from your personal insurance coverage.
Who pays for injuries from a car accident?
If a driver carries personal injury insurance, a certain financial amount is set aside to cover medical expenses resulting from an accident. If your injury is covered by one of these policies, tell your chiropractor's office before your first visit so they can prepare the appropriate paperwork.
Are there options for uninsured patients?
Many chiropractors have policies in place for patients without health insurance plans. When making your appointment, state that you are a "cash patient," and ask the average out-of-pocket cost for a visit. A 2007 survey by Chiropractic Economics magazine found that 38.7 percent of responding chiropractors offered discounted rates for patients paying cash.
Does Medicare cover chiropractors?
Medicare will cover your chiropractic adjustment, but not the accompanying muscle therapies, nor any X-rays or other diagnostics.
Are payment plans available?
Every chiropractic office approaches payment plans differently. Always discuss the total cost before beginning treatment, and set up your payment plan in advance.
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