How to Pay for Chiropractic Care Without Insurance

The Rise of Chiropractic Care

Over one million chiropractic adjustments are made every day in America. Chiropractic care has been growing in recent years as more Americans turn to it as a drug-free option for pain relief and management. At least 35 million Americans visit chiropractors each year. Chiropractors are part of the larger trend toward holistic and integrative healthcare. Patients appreciate doctors who consider the whole picture of their health, not just the symptoms.

In traditional medicine, it’s not uncommon to encounter insurance battles, such as finding an in-network provider, obtaining pre-authorizations, and facing restrictions on the types of covered care and treatments. These issues are particularly challenging for those seeking non-drug or non-invasive healthcare options like chiropractic care. All of these factors combined can make it feel complicated or even impossible to find answers and relief.

These challenges make self-pay chiropractic care stand out as a much more straightforward and streamlined approach to managing one’s health. Self-pay simply refers to paying out of pocket rather than relying on insurance or a third-party payer. With self-pay, individuals pay directly for the services rendered after each appointment.

The Benefits of Self-Pay Chiropractic Care

Of course, the exact cost may vary per session due to factors such as the types of treatments, additional services provided, and whether x-rays are taken. However, there are several advantages to choosing self-pay for chiropractic care:

• Flexibility: Without insurance or third-party payers, you have complete control as a patient over your choice of chiropractor, appointment scheduling, and the type of services you elect.

• Privacy: Opting for self-pay means you won’t need to share information about your health conditions or concerns with your insurance company since there will be no health claims involved. This ensures greater privacy.

• Affordability: Chiropractic care is actually quite affordable without using insurance. It can be more cost-effective than big insurance plans that require large premiums. Chiropractic care also provides a great option for individuals without health insurance. Furthermore, self-pay chiropractic care can be a more affordable pain management strategy than relying on pain medication or undergoing surgery.

• Saving time & money: A study spanning seven years and involving over 70,000 people found that chiropractic care saved them time and money. The study revealed that chiropractic care resulted in 60.2% fewer hospital admissions, 59.0% fewer hospital days, 62.0% fewer outpatient surgeries and procedures, and an impressive 85% decrease in pharmaceutical costs.

Payment Options for Self-Pay Chiropractic Care

But how do you pay for chiropractic care when you’re not using insurance? Well, you can expect all the typical payment options you might use in other scenarios, including cash, debit cards, credit cards, and checks. You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for chiropractic care or be reimbursed for it. In many cases, chiropractic offices may offer a payment plan if necessary.

• Cash and check: Almost everyone accepts cash as payment at the time services are rendered. Some providers even offer a discount for paying in cash since it can save them processing fees. Checks are widely accepted, but it’s important to check with your chiropractic office before your appointment to avoid any hiccups.

• Card: Whether it’s a debit or credit card, your self-pay chiropractor most likely accepts it. This makes it easy for you to pay and keep track of your payments.

• HSA / FSA: Chiropractic care is eligible to be paid for using both of these types of accounts. When considering using the FSA, keep in mind that you must “use it or lose it,” so getting chiropractic care can be a great option.

• Payment Plan: You can inquire with your chiropractor’s office staff about any available payment plans, allowing you to spread the payments out over time rather than paying all at once.

Understanding the Costs of Chiropractic Care

However, it is unlikely that you will need a payment plan because chiropractic care is very affordable. Your first visit might have a slightly higher price tag due to the thorough examination, possible x-rays, and other factors. The initial consultation and examination can range from $50 to $200, typically including a comprehensive assessment of your health and medical history, a physical exam, and potentially other diagnostic tests and imaging.

Once you have a treatment plan, subsequent visits that include various therapies and adjustments average around $50, but the cost can increase depending on additional services provided, such as heat therapy and electrical muscle stimulation.

The good news is that once you have your treatment plan, you can ask exactly what to expect for future sessions and plan your payments accordingly. Most subsequent visits will have a consistent billing amount, providing you with predictability.

More and more Americans are turning to self-pay chiropractic care as a holistic, drug-free, and non-surgical option for pain relief and overall health and wellness. The flexibility, privacy, and affordable pricing make self-pay chiropractic care a great option for many. By paying with traditional methods or even utilizing an HSA or FSA, patients can access care without the hassle of insurance. If you’re seeking a patient-centered approach to your health, wellness, and pain management, consider trying self-pay chiropractic care. Dr. Llaird Likens provides a self-pay option and serves residents and visitors of Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway, and Mary Esther.