Medical massage and Insurance Coverage by Andrew Wolfe, LMP

Medical massage therapy is recognized as a health care provision under rehabilitation outpatient coverage under most major medical plans. Specific plan coverage’s vary according to

the benefit package your plan and/or employer offer.

Medical massage therapy definition is the ability to heal, restore and improve function which was otherwise compromised due to illness, injury, disease or surgery. It must be a part of a treatment

plan your primary care provider recommends as medically necessary to restore lost function.

Provisions are also given towards motor vehicle accident (PIP) and worker's compensation-labor and

industry (L&I), job injury recovery care claims. Likewise, verification and preauthorization must be met prior to

starting care.

The variety of techniques and application of massage therapy are vast, according to the training and experience of the licensed massage therapist.

State laws are in place for licensing and certification. When seeking out care, look for a massage therapist with further education and experience. This is always good consumer

judgment.

When injured you should seek out a massage therapist with skill, training and experience compatible with the injuries and

sustained ailments that you have.

For instance, you would not want to seek out a massage therapist who specializes in spa massage. Injury treatment is

specialized and has specific protocol and training, whereas spa massage does not. Insurance companies WILL NOT recognize a

"feel good" spa approach as a medical procedure.

A consumer should also ask about how is the facility or practice run, what kind of specialized training do they have, what kinds of

clinical and/or experience have they have in treating specific dysfunctions.

Recommendations from your primary health care provider, local hospitals are a good resource to find an experienced therapist. There is also a number of organizations such as the American

Massage Therapy Association that has a referral source of massage therapists available at www.amtamassage.org

For the best results, advocate self-education and consumer awareness. As well as have a proactive approach. Be a willing

participate in your healing and recovery will happen.

This article has been submitted by Andrew Wolfe, LMP of Harmony Licensed Massage Therapy, medical massage therapists with over 23 years full time clinical training and experience in his private practice. For more information about this subject or other topics please visit www.harmonymassagetherapy.com

or call

360-653-4657.