The beginning of the New Year most Insurance benefits reset, new deductibles to meet, changes of benefits, and a reset on treatment limits. A common question we have here at Ascension Wellness is, “how do I use my Insurance for massage?” First, the massage needs to be “Medically Necessary”. This means that it is used to restore or repair body function, not just a relaxation massage. These symptoms can be wide & varied, anything from pain & range of motion issues to digestive problems. I have found over the last eight years of doing massage that most issues stem from a muscular problem. It may start as a sore low back, then turns into sciatica, now you have constipation due to the low back pain. Neck tension can cause arm pain & lack of sleep. Massage can help in many different situations.

Here are a few terms you need to know:

Referral- Means that a doctor has to “refer” you to us, much like when your family doctor refers you to a specialist.

Prescription- A prescription consists of the number of massages, frequency and diagnosis for treatment. Massage Therapists can’t diagnose, so it is imperative that this come from a M.D, N.D, or Chiropractor. (Depending on Insurer.)

The majority of Insurances will require a prescription or a referral. There are very few that do not require either. Once you have received your prescription, you can begin treatment. In some rare cases a plan will say it has massage benefits, but there will be a clause that states that it will only be paid if it is performed by a Chiropractor, M.D., or Physical Therapist. There are many different Insurance plans and policies so it is best that you check to see if massage is covered. Better yet we here at Ascension will check your benefits for you, since we know the right questions to ask and can typically get through the long hold times quicker on our provider lines.

Know your benefits & use them when you need to. Don’t wait until you thrown your back out or have slipped on the ice, you can start to get healthy in the New Year. Make 2010 the year to “Ascend to Better Health”!

For more information or to have us check your benefits email us with this information: Insurance Company Name & 800# on the back. We then need your ID number & birthdate. You can also call us at 206-878-WELL.