Chiropractic coverage with insurance is becoming hard to find.  Most practitioners are not billing for insurance because of long hours of paperwork, restrictions with care and insurance companies not paying out what they should for care.  

According to the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, low back pain initiated with a doctor of chiropractic (DC) saves 40 percent on health care costs when compared with care initiated through a medical doctor (MD), according to a study that analyzed data from 85,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) beneficiaries in Tennessee over a two-year span. 

The study population had open access to MDs and DCs through self-referral, and there were no limits applied to the number of MD/DC visits allowed and no differences in co-pays. Researchers estimated that allowing DC-initiated episodes of care would have led to an annual cost savings of $2.3 million for BCBS of Tennessee. They also concluded that insurance companies that restrict access to chiropractic care for low back pain treatment may inadvertently pay more for care than they would if they removed such restrictions. – Liliedahl et al (2010), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics “

Chiropractic care appeared relatively cost-effective for the treatment of chronic low-back pain. Chiropractic and medical care performed comparably for acute patients. Practice-based clinical outcomes were consistent with systematic reviews of spinal manipulative efficacy: manipulation-based therapy is at least as good as and, in some cases, better than other therapeusis.” – Haas et al (2005), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

In the long run, chiropractic care helps reduce trips to the emergency room, urgent care and cuts down on invasive surgeries.  It may feel like a lot to pay out each time you go to the chiropractor but it is well worth it for future health and wellness advantages.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!