Chiropractic treatment focuses on manipulating the musculoskeletal system to provide relief to injured patients. Workers who suffer an on-the-job injury often require medical care such as medication, surgery, and physical therapy. However, chiropractic treatment offers a holistic healing method that can let employees experience physical improvement after a work-related injury. Many people wonder if workers’ compensation will pay for chiropractic therapy since it is often seen as an alternative form of treatment.
Here’s what you need to know:
Workers’ Compensation Does Cover Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care is an ongoing treatment method. Injured workers see a chiropractor on a regular basis for gradual improvement. In recent decades, workers’ compensation benefits have been changed to include payments for chiropractic care. However, since chiropractic therapy is an ongoing method of treatment, many states put a limit on the amount of visits injured workers may receive.
Insurance providers do not want workers and chiropractors to take advantage of compensation coverage to do more treatment sessions than are needed. That is why proving that your chiropractic care is reasonable and necessary is important when seeking compensation.
Understanding Reasonably Necessary Treatment
In order to receive payments for chiropractic therapy, you must prove that the treatment is reasonably necessary. If you continue seeing a chiropractor but there is no significant improvement within a month, the insurance company may inquire as to the necessity of your treatment. They may suggest a different type of therapy, or dispute your claim to compensation for seemingly unnecessary chiropractic care. Thus, it is important to talk with your chiropractor to determine a treatment schedule so the insurance company can stay informed.
Insurance companies may dispute your claim if:
- You don’t show significant improvement after a month
- The frequency of your visits increases rather than decreases
- You fail to provide evidence that the chiropractic treatment is necessary
Under Texas law, you must receive treatment from a licensed chiropractor. You must also file necessary documents to receive workers’ compensation benefits for chiropractic therapy. Furthermore, you must receive treatment by a chiropractic doctor in your insurance network.
It is a good idea to provide information about the frequency of your visits, the specific area of your body being treated, and your progress throughout your treatment to the insurance company. If the insurance adjuster disputes your claim, it may be difficult to prove to a judge that your chiropractic therapy is reasonably necessary. You can use medical records, reports from your chiropractor, and documentation of your recovery to show that the chiropractic treatment is effective and helpful to your healing process.
Learn How Our Houston Work Injury Rehab Services Can Benefit You Today
At QualCare Rehabilitation, we provide tailored treatment plans to injured workers. If you have suffered and on-the-job injury, our chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and pain management programs can provide the relief you need. We focus on healing the underlying issues, as well as easing symptoms, so you can enjoy doing the things you love again. With our chiropractic services, injured employees can receive effective treatment through workers’ compensation insurance.
Contact us today for more information about our services in the Houston area.