Car accidents can damage people’s mental and physical well-being. One common treatment option for car accident injuries is massage therapy. However, many people may need clarification on whether their insurance will cover this type of treatment. In 2018, 57 million Americans underwent massage treatment; many of them may have done so following an automobile accident, according to the AMTA. This article will tell you if insurance will pay for massage therapy after a car accident? and available coverage alternatives to get massage therapy free.
Will insurance pay for massage therapy after a car accident?
Car accident insurance covers massage therapy. Massage helps cure whiplash, muscle spasms, and joint discomfort. It can reduce anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and mental tension.
You have to obtain a doctor’s recommendation before trying massage therapy. This will convince your insurance company that massage therapy is important for your injuries. After a doctor’s recommendation, contact your insurer and file a claim.
You’ll need to describe your vehicle accident, the doctor’s recommendation, and the massage therapist you’ll see while making a claim. Your insurance may cover massage therapy or charge a fee for each session.
After a car accident, there are alternative ways to pay for massage therapy than insurance. Car accident victims can get financial support from a state or municipal charity or foundation.
If medically necessary, the PIP section of your motor insurance coverage can cover massage therapy. It’s best to check with your insurance carrier to see if they cover massage therapy after a vehicle accident.
Massage therapy can help vehicle accident victims recover from whiplash and tight muscles and relieve pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Insurance companies have started covering massage therapy for accident victims with soft tissue injuries.
When will insurance pay for massage therapy after a car accident?
Health insurance may cover massage therapy as an essential health benefit if it is “habilitative or habilitation.” After an auto accident, PIP (Personal Injury Protection) will cover any doctor-recommended medical expenses, including massage therapy.
Insurance companies may cover accident-related massage therapy under four conditions:
- It is medically necessary and meets insurer coverage criteria.
- Doctors prescribe massage therapy to improve function and relieve discomfort.
- Accident-related soft tissue injury massage.
- When PIP auto insurance covers massage.
How to get massage therapy covered by insurance after an accident?
You can get insurance to cover massage treatment for accident healing.
The first thing you need to do is to consult with your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe massage therapy and other healing treatments. Insurance coverage requires a complete prescription list. Doctors can prescribe massage therapy. Tell your doctor that massage therapy may help your muscle pain. When asking for a prescription, explain your symptoms and history.
The next step is to ask your insurance provider about massage therapy coverage. After an accident, several insurers cover massage therapy, but Understanding your policy’s coverage is crucial.
Once you know your insurance coverage, you can search for a massage therapist. A registered and certified therapist will help guarantee effective and safe treatment. After finding an insurance-covered therapist, you can schedule an appointment and start therapy.
Finally, track your massage therapy and medical spending. Insurance companies may need proof of payment for reimbursement. Give documents and receipts, and keep them safe.
After a car accident, massage therapy may require extra documentation since some insurance companies are slower to recognize it as a medical treatment. You can acquire coverage by showing your injuries and massage therapy’s medical needs.
When Insurance Companies Do Not Cover Massage Therapy after an accident?
According to the search results, certain insurance companies may not cover massage therapy. Possible causes:
Not Medically unnecessary:
Insurance companies may not cover if massage therapy is not medically essential for a condition. Health insurance may cover massage as an essential health benefit if it meets the “habilitative or habilitation” standards.
Non-billing code:
Insurance companies swiftly authorize coverage using billing codes from healthcare providers. Massage therapists utilize two codes: 97124: Stroking, compression, and percussion. Health insurance may not cover massage therapy.
Not insured:
Insurance policies cover different services. Some policies cover massage therapy. Cigna only covers massage therapy when used with physical therapy, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield requires contracting the service benefit plan to cover massage therapy.
Out-of-network therapist:
Most insurance plans that cover massage therapy require treatment by a preferred or in-network therapist. Insurance may only cover massage therapy if the therapist is in-network.
Does PIP Cover Massage Therapy After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you may question if Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers massage therapy. Most car accident PIP policies cover massage therapy.
PIP typically covers massage therapy for car accident injuries. To be sure, check your state laws. Some states limit PIP massage therapy coverage, while others exclude it.
Massage treatment reduces tension, pain, and movement. It helps to relieve whiplash, neck, shoulder, and lower back discomfort from vehicle accidents. Massage therapy reduces inflammation and improves circulation, which aids healing.
PIP coverage for massage therapy usually has a limit. State-specific, this is 10–20 sessions. Check your insurance coverage limit before starting treatment.
Find a massage therapist with car accident injury experience. Your massage therapist should know body anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics and have experience treating automobile accident soft tissue injuries.
Accident massage therapy coverage: No-Fault or At-Fault State?
Many consumers know the differences between No-Fault and At-Fault state massage therapy coverage after an accident. Accident victims seeking massage treatment coverage must understand the distinctions.
No-Fault states fund medical expenses, including massage therapy, regardless of fault. Even if you caused an accident, you are covered. This may prevent you from recovering financial damages from the other party.
At-Fault states laws are different. The accident’s perpetrator is responsible for massage therapy and other medical expenditures. The at-fault party can pay for your injuries. This is time-consuming and costly.
Will insurance pay for massage therapy after a car accident? | What Type of Massage is Best for Recovery After a Car Accident?
Massage treatment helps injured people recover from vehicle accidents. The greatest massage for healing depends on your injuries.
These massages may help automobile accident victims recover:
Swedish massage:
This gentle massage improves blood flow, tension, and pain. It treats strains, sprains, and muscle spasms well.
Deep tissue massage:
This massage relieves chronic muscle tightness and whiplash.
Myofascial release:
This treatment relaxes fascia, which surrounds muscles and organs. Myofascial release reduces pain and improves mobility.
Trigger point therapy:
Apply pressure on tender or painful bodily points. Trigger point therapy helps treat whiplash-related headaches, muscle discomfort, and stress.