Insurance Reimbursement for Laser Therapy
IN BRIEF
LASERS
Ryan Novak
DC
Laser therapy (photobiomodulation therapy) is the most versatile, powerful modality within the scope of practice for chiropractic physicians in all 50 states, as long as the device is FDA compliant. Unfortunately, most chiropractors do not utilize this amazing technology because it is believed that photobiomodulation therapy is never covered by insurance companies.
This is not true, but it does vary by state and by policy. Let’s be clear, I am not making any claims or guarantees about insurance reimbursement, so always consult with your attorney and billing specialist. However, let’s quickly look at a few ways your patient can use their insurance to cover photobiomodulation therapy treatments.
Colleagues across the country are reporting reimbursement for photobiomodulation therapy for PI and workers’ comp cases in the range of $20 to $85 per in-office treatment. Some are also reporting reimbursement for renting the device to PI and workers comp patients to use at home, and they are receiving reimbursements of up to $3,000 for the device rental.
Some private insurance companies also have rehnbursed for photobiomodulation therapy when utilizing massage therapy codes and unlisted service/procedure codes when coded correctly, along with submitting a one-page written statement of the treatment and device used.
Lastly, patients with FSA and HSA accounts can, of course, use these accounts to pay for photobiomodulation therapy treatments in the office, home-use rentals, or even the purchase of a photobiomodulation FDA-compliant medical device prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Remember, less than 30% of chiropractors use laser therapy, so more than 70% of the profession is missing out on superior clinical outcomes and additional reimbursement and revenues.
Ryan Novak, DC, is the chief scientific officer (CSO) for a photobiomodulation therapy device manufacturing firm, which has developed FDA-cleared devices such as the PainBuster Super Pulsed Laser. For more information, call 877-799-7477 or visit PainBusterPro.com.
