Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover medical massages?
Asked by: Miss Libby Kris | Last update: March 26, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (2 votes)
What types of massages are covered by insurance?
Insurance companies often cover a variety of massage techniques, from classic stroking and compression to more advanced modalities, such as percussion manipulation, traction, and lymphatic drainage.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal cover massage therapy?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers alternative medicine for federal employees. Effective Jan. 1, 2001 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members will have access to a national network of chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and health and wellness products at discounted prices.
Can massage be billed to insurance?
In the United States, coverage for massage therapy is not typical. However, that's slowly changing. There are a few insurance plans that cover massage therapy. Workers' compensation and auto insurance also cover massage therapy.
Does massage count as a medical expense?
For instance, if your doctor prescribes massages to help recover from an injury or manage a chronic condition, you may be able to include these costs in your medical expense deductions. Keep in mind that the IRS requires that these expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income before you can claim them.
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Is massage therapy considered a medical appointment?
So, by definition, massage therapy is part of healthcare services, and massage therapists are medical professionals.
What qualifies for medical expenses?
Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.
Does Blue Cross insurance cover massages?
Blue Cross may cover some or all of the cost of massage therapy, depending on the plan. It is important to check the details of the plan to determine what is covered and what is not.
Do you tip for a medical massage covered by insurance?
Given the immense benefits of massage therapy, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the skill and effort that therapists put into their work. One way to do this is by tipping appropriately, even when you have insurance coverage.
How to get a free massage?
- Swap massages with a spouse or partner. One of the best ways to get a free massage is to swap massages with a loved one. ...
- Exchange massages with a friend. ...
- Promote the benefits of a massage. ...
- Barter with a Licensed Massage Therapist. ...
- Check your health insurance coverage.
What type of therapy does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover most types of therapy, including individual therapy and child therapy, as well as different types of therapy approaches, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Psychodynamic Therapy.
How many physical therapy sessions does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?
Note: Benefits are limited to 75 visits per person, per calendar year for physical, occupational, or speech therapy, or a combination of all three. Note: Visits that you pay for while meeting your calendar year deductible count toward the limit cited above.
How much does a medical massage cost?
Medical massage therapy (also called myotherapy) costs about $100-150 per hour on average in the United States.
How to get medically necessary massage?
Once you meet with your doctor about your condition or injury, be sure to ask her for a referral for massage therapy. You must have a referral in order to have your therapy covered by your insurance. Your referral is your only way of proving that medical massage therapy sessions are a medical necessity.
How much is insurance for a massage?
How much is massage therapist General Liability insurance? General liability insurance costs 26% of our customers between $33 to $54 per month. It can help to protect your business from financial losses related to customer injuries, accidental damage to someone's property and copyright infringement.
How do I know if my insurance covers massage?
Call to verify your insurance coverage for massage therapy
Contact a representative through the customer service number (usually on the back of your insurance card). Example questions: I've received a prescription for medical (or therapeutic) massage written by my medical doctor.
How much do you tip for a 60 minute massage at massage Envy?
Yes, you should tip at least 20% based on the regular cost of the service, even if you're using a coupon or gift certificate, says Sokolosky. So if a massage normally costs $100, tip $20 even if you have a coupon that discounts the massage to $80 or a gift card that covers the full cost.
How to make insurance pay for massage?
A referral from your doctor can help you get insurance coverage for massage therapy. It can also be established as an important health benefit. Massage therapists are not allowed to diagnose medical conditions. Therefore, a prescription or referral from a physician is required for reimbursement.
What is the insurance code for medical massage?
CPT code 97124 is more so directed at massage therapy, while 97140 is actually for manual therapy. When using either of these massage therapy billing codes, be sure to cite these exact treatment procedures in your claim to ensure coverage.
Should I shower before a massage?
Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.
What are not qualified medical expenses?
Other examples of nondeductible medical expenses are nonprescription drugs, doctor prescribed travel for "rest," and expenses for the improvement of your general health such as a weight loss program or health club fees (the weight loss program is deductible if it is to treat a specific disease).
Are gym memberships tax deductible?
The IRS typically does not allow taxpayers to deduct gym memberships or other costs associated with general health and wellness. The main reason is that these expenses are considered personal, even if they contribute indirectly to improved work performance, stress reduction, or overall well-being.
What medical expenses are covered by health insurance?
Covered Expenses means expenses actually incurred by or on behalf of an Insured for services covered by this Policy. A Covered Expense is deemed to be incurred on the date such service or supply, that gave rise to the expense or the charge, was rendered or obtained.
What is the difference between a massage and a medical massage?
Although medical massage may use some of the same techniques as other types of massage, the main difference between medical massage and other massage types is that medical massage has a focused approach to specifically address a physician-diagnosed issue.