Is massage considered health care?
Asked by: Aliya Hudson | Last update: March 27, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)
Is massage therapy part of healthcare?
This is just a small number of allied healthcare workers, and some estimates state that up to 60% of employees in healthcare are in allied care. So, by definition, massage therapy is part of healthcare services, and massage therapists are medical professionals.
What category does massage therapy fall under?
Massage therapy generally falls under the classification of "general health," which refers to a service or procedure that can provide a boost to a person's overall health and wellness but is not considered a vital treatment to alleviate a specific medical condition.
Do massages count as medical expenses?
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.
Is massage covered under health insurance?
Massage therapy can be costly, but your insurance company may help to cover the costs. Additionally, you may be able to use FSA or HSA to cover the cost of medical massage. Either way, you will need a prescription from your primary care doctor for insurance even to consider helping with the costly treatments.
What is Medical Massage vs. Clinical Massage vs. Orthopedic Massage
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.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover massage?
Yes, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield does cover therapy services. However, the amount of the therapy cost they cover depends on your unique health insurance plan.
What is considered medical massage?
Medical massage is outcome-based massage, primarily the application of a specific treatment targeted to the specific problem the patient presents with a diagnosis and are administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by the medical massage therapist with specific outcomes being the basis for treatment.
What counts as health 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.
Can I use my HSA card for massage?
Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.
How much does a massage cost?
On average, prices in the United States range from $50 to $150 per hour, with higher rates typical in urban areas and luxury spas. The cost is also affected by the therapist's experience, the type of massage, and any additional services provided.
What is the classification of massage?
1.2: Classification of massage techniques on the basis of character of techniques. Stroking manipulations: Superficial stroking, effleurage. Pressure manipulations: Kneading, petrissage, friction. Tapotement/percussion manipulations. Vibratory manipulations.
How to get a letter of medical necessity for massage therapy?
How do I get a medical necessity letter for massage therapy? Talk to your primary care provider. In many HMOs and other health plans, this doctor is the one who must authorize the referral. Discuss medical necessity with the doctor.
What category is massage therapy under?
The EPCP agreed with AMTA's proposal to continue to classify establishments which primarily provide massage therapy services under NAICS 621399, Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners.
Is massage tax-deductible?
Can I Deduct Massage Therapy on My Taxes? If your massage is medically necessary and part of a formal diagnosis, you may be able to deduct it as a medical expense. However, keep in mind that your total medical expenses need to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for it to count.
What are considered health care costs?
Health care costs can be defined in three ways: 1) the expense incurred by providers in the delivery of health care services 2) the amount that is paid for services rendered by private and public payers; and 3) out-of-pocket patient spending for health care services.
What are qualified health care expenses?
You can include in medical expenses the cost of medical supplies such as bandages. You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for birth control pills prescribed by a doctor. You can include in medical expenses the cost of an elec- tronic body scan.
Is massage covered by health insurance?
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 subject does massage therapy fall under?
Subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, and nutrition provide students an overview of the human body and how it works. Classroom coursework in topics related to the practice of massage. Topics on law, ethics, communication, and management prepare students for professional practice.
Is massage considered wellness?
Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body.
How do I find out if my insurance covers massages?
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.
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.
Is massage therapy covered by United Healthcare?
Complementary and alternative medicine may be available if purchased by the subscriber's employer as a supplemental benefit/rider. Massage therapy is covered when medically necessary and authorized by the member's contracting primary care physician.