No one likes to hear the words "medical bills" or getting a bill that says "payment due immediately" followed by several thousand dollars in the box that says "total balance." Chiropractic care is not free, but it is much less expensive than traditional methods of treatment and is recognized as one of the safest alternative medical treatments to date.
On average, it will cost around $70,000.00 per patient for a surgical procedure. Compare that to the $3918.00 it will cost for chiropractic treatment per patient. That number is a lot less intimidating and won't take the rest of your life to pay off. Not to mention, chiropractic care yields either the same or better results than medication and/or surgery. Around 60% of patients reported they had better results with chiropractic care than those who chose the surgical route. Out of 400,000 patients, 250,000 had another healthier, safer, much less expensive than traditional medical treatment(s), and drug-free option that they were never made aware of. That option is chiropractic treatment.
"Is this holistic form of treatment more expensive, and how can I afford this kind of care?" In today's society, there are numerous ways to pay for medical services such as: health insurance, auto insurance, flexible spending plan, worker's compensation, affordable payment plans or good old fashion cash.
Health insurance companies are now recognizing chiropractic as a viable method of rehabilitative medical treatment. They are realizing that they will spend a lot less money if they offer chiropractic care for either rehabilitative purposes or for preventative measures. If an individual has regular adjustments (solely at the discretion of the chiropractor), s/he is less likely to need ongoing medical care, medications, and/or surgery or some other form of medical procedure. Regular health maintenance will help ward off illness, will drastically reduce the number if sick days employees use, and less chance of the current injury/condition(s) becoming more aggravated or serious.
Before you partake in any chiropractic rehabilitative therapy, check with your insurance provider. There are still some that do not cover this service. The companies that do, you need to "read the fine print." Ask questions such as, "how many sessions are covered," "what is my co-pay," "what other therapeutic treatments are covered such as acupuncture and massage therapy"? The other question(s) that are unavoidable are those involving the financial aspect of treatment. You should as questions like, "Do you take credit/debit cards" and (whether or not you are insured) "do you have affordable payment plans," "do you only cover the policy holder or is everyone in the immediate family covered?." It is imperative that you do not leave the consultation visit with any questions about treatment, insurance, financial responsibilities, the chiropractors credentials, and another question you might have.
If you don't have a medical insurance policy that covers chiropractic care, there are more options for you. Check with your automobile insurance company. You can purchase medical expense benefits which could cover chiropractic treatment(s). Another option is a flexible spending account. It should cover the remaining balance of your overall treatment plan. There is one stipulation though, chiropractic care must be required to rehabilitate or treat the injury or condition/disorder and regain maximum mobility.
Workman's compensation is also available if you are injured on the job. You must report the injury to your supervisor in the amount of time required by your state or you forfeit your right to claim workman's compensation. Another regulation is that chiropractic treatment must be deemed necessary (by a physician who is usually appointed by the state) and they can prove that your injury is work related to qualify for assistance.
Last, but not least, is affordable payment plans set up between you and your chiropractor. There are several clinics/offices that will work with you and create a payment arrangement that fits easily into your budget. There are also financing options, but you must qualify via credit check. If your credit is less than favorable, do not panic. Some finance companies will help you get financed (the interest rate will be higher than normal by choosing this route) if you can prove you will be able to make the payments on time and why this method of treatment is medically necessary. You just need to do a little research to find a financing company that will be willing to work with you. If financing is not an option, many chiropractic clinics will offer discounts if you pay the total amount in cash or a pay (upfront) a large amount of your total balance. Just don't be embarrassed or afraid to talk with your chiropractor about your financial situation. They can't help you if they do not know your financial circumstances.
Again, as with any insurance policy, read the fine print and ask as many questions that you feel are necessary until you are fully aware of what coverage you have and you are satisfied with the answers the agent has given you regarding this issue. Your health is well worth the time and effort that you put into finding a chiropractor who will work with you and your financial situation, is extensively skilled, highly experienced, and properly licensed in your state. Only settle for the best because you deserve nothing less.