If it is deemed medically necessary or falls under “habilitative or habilitation treatment,” it may be covered as an essential health benefit. However, many insurers only consider massage therapy necessary during the acute phase of treatment, rather than as an ongoing therapy.
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.
Massage therapy is covered by some insurance companies. You need to call your insurance to find out who their in-network massage therapists are. They should be able to provide you a list of approved therapists along with their contact info.
Medical Necessity: The IRS says medical expenses must be for alleviating or preventing a physical or mental condition. In other words, your massage therapy needs to be medically necessary—a term your doctor will have to agree on.
If you're trying to increase circulation and tissue relaxation, then you would bill 97124: Massage Therapy to the insurance provider. It's important to note that insurance providers tend to heavily scrutinize the use of massage and will only cover it when medically necessary.
Coverage for medical massage therapy depends on how the treatment is classified by the insurance company. If it is deemed medically necessary or falls under “habilitative or habilitation treatment,” it may be covered as an essential health benefit.
Definition. Clinical massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body for therapeutic purposes. Based in ancient traditions, massage therapy is a professional health care discipline in the United States.
A7: Yes, if the therapy is treatment for a disease. For example, an amount paid for therapy to treat a diagnosed mental illness is a medical expense, but an amount paid for marital counseling is not.
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.
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.
Your health insurance policy may cover the purchase price of a new spa if hot tub therapy has been prescribed by your doctor to treat a legitimate medical condition. Conditions that may be best alleviated through warm water immersion include athletic and joint injuries, arthritis, and poor circulation.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
You should discuss your injury or condition with your doctor, who will then provide a referral for a massage therapist. Many insurance companies will not cover the cost of massage therapy without a referral from your doctor.
Verify Coverage with Your Insurance Company
When you contact your insurance, ask about codes 97124 (Massage Therapy), 97140 (Manual Therapy), 97112 (Neuromuscular Re-Education), and 97010 (Hot/Cold Pack Therapy). Ask if your policy covers these treatments.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
The bottom line. Most commercial health insurance plans offer fitness incentive programs, and those perks sometimes include free gym membership. If your plan won't fully reimburse your membership, you may still be able to get a low-cost or discounted gym membership or other fitness benefits.
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.
Gym memberships are generally considered personal expenses and not tax deductible. However, you may be able to use a tax-advantaged account, like a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to cover your gym membership if a healthcare professional prescribes it for a specific medical condition.
A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can write a doctor's note to support your request for time off work.
Massage therapy sessions
How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
In conclusion, while massages may come with a cost, the numerous physical and mental health benefits they provide make them well worth the investment for many people.
What's The Average Cost Of Massage Therapy? The cost of massage therapy can vary depending on several factors, such as location, type of massage, and experience level of the therapist. On average, a massage typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour. Specialty massages or add-on services can also affect the price.
Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.
This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you're unsure, it's always a safe bet to stick within this range.
A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution.