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A stiff neck, sore back, and frequent headaches are just a few of the reasons that every year millions of Americans see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained medical professionals that can perform spinal manipulation that's designed to help with musculoskeletal problems. Musculoskeletal problems are issues that affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and nerves.

The cost of visiting a chiropractor can fluctuate significantly based on the type of service you require. So a simple weekly adjustment likely won't cost the same as a new patient evaluation with costly diagnostic tests. Many health insurance plans - including Medicare plans in certain situations - cover some of the costs of chiropractic care, though typically not the full amount.

How much does a visit to the chiropractor cost?

Without insurance, the average cost of seeing a chiropractor ranges anywhere from around $60 to $200 in most parts of the country. According to the 2022 Chiropractic Economics Annual Fees and Reimbursements Survey, chiropractic visits can cost $48 to $188 depending on the type of provider. Respondents to the survey paid an average of $67 for a single session of chiropractic treatment at cash-based practices.

Your first visit to a chiropractor will typically cost more since it involves a comprehensive health assessment. This assessment may include diagnostic tests, chiropractic exams, and taking background information about your symptoms and condition.

The type of injury you have and your pain levels also determine how much you'll pay for treatment. Studies show that people who receive 6 weeks of spinal manipulation treatment for lower back pain have an easier time moving around. But this could add up to from $300 to over $1,000 worth of care.

What factors affect the cost of chiropractic care?

Some of the factors that influence the cost of chiropractic treatment are:

• Location: The cost of chiropractic care varies by location. For example, services in high-cost areas like Los Angeles are typically more expensive than in cities like Dallas. However, the demand for services in a certain location can also affect costs.

• Type of appointment: New patient evaluations and treatments typically cost more than follow-up visits for established patients.

• Number of sessions: The number of visits a person needs is generally based on the severity of their condition and their stage of treatment. But more visits lead to higher costs.

• Severity of injury: As mentioned, treating a more complex case may mean more sessions. But it may also require additional types of treatment.

• Types of services needed: Manual therapy cost an average of $30 to $50 per visit in 2019. However, some chiropractic offices may offer X-rays, MRI scans, and other services that can add to the overall costs of a visit.

• Experience and specialty: Chiropractic clinics with experienced, onsite specialists - such as physical and massage therapists - generally charge higher fees.

Does insurance cover chiropractic care?

Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but typically not the full cost. And specific coverage details vary by plan.

For example, chiropractic care is not an essential benefit offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), so marketplace plans are not required to cover it. Though, some states require ACA plans to provide coverage for chiropractic care. If you have a marketplace plan in one of these states, you may have coverage for a limited number of visits each year, and your benefits may be based on medical necessity.

Commercial health plans and private insurance

A 2020 study found that commercial health plans tend to have a higher "allowed amount" than government health plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, for chiropractic care. That means that they're typically willing to pay a larger portion of the cost of care. Private insurance plans offered by major health insurance companies may also be more likely to cover chiropractic care than plans from smaller companies.

Medicare

Medicare typically covers 80% of the cost of spinal manipulation (under certain conditions) after you meet the Part B deductible. So if you need manual correction for a vertebral subluxation and you've met your deductible, Medicare will likely cover the majority of the costs. But if your chiropractor orders other services or tests, such as X-rays or massage therapy, you may have to pay a portion or all of the costs out of pocket.

Medicaid

Medicaid may also cover chiropractic adjustments in some cases, though coverage varies by state. In Indiana, for instance, the Indiana Health Coverage Program for Medicaid recipients covers 50 "units" of medically necessary chiropractic services per calendar year. These services can include:

• A mix of manipulative treatments

• Physical medicine services

• Up to five office visits, with no prior authorization required

When should you see a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is one of the most popular alternative treatments to address musculoskeletal pain. The most common reasons people see a chiropractor include:

• Low back pain

• Neck pain

• Headaches

• Spinal manipulation as a supporting treatment to go along with physical therapy, medication, and exercise

Questions to ask your insurance provider regarding chiropractic care

Costs for chiropractic care vary significantly - even more so than general medical or dental care costs. So if you have insurance, it's a good idea to ask your insurer about your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Here are a few questions you can consider asking your insurance provider:

• Is chiropractic care covered for my health condition?

• Does chiropractic care need to be pre-authorized or preapproved?

• Do I need a referral?

• Can I choose any chiropractor? Do I have coverage if I go out of network?

• Are there any limits on the number of visits that are covered?

• How much do I have to pay out of pocket?

• Will my plan cover the cost of treatment directly or will I have to seek reimbursement?

• Are there any other restrictions?

Can you see a chiropractor without insurance?

Yes, you can see a chiropractor if you don't have insurance. But be sure you know how much it will cost you up front.

Consider asking your provider these questions to find out how much you may have to pay out of pocket:

• How much does the first appointment cost? How much do follow-up appointments cost?

• How many sessions am I likely to need?

• Are there other costs, such as for tests, equipment, or supplements, that I should expect to pay?

• Do you offer a sliding scale based on income?

What options do you have if you can't afford a chiropractor?

If you're not financially prepared to pay for the full cost of chiropractic treatments, you're not completely out of options. There are ways to cut down on the expense of receiving chiropractic care:

• Consider a payment plan. Splitting payments over a set time period can be a way to make care more affordable. Just be sure to carefully review the terms of the payment plan, so you understand how much you're paying in total.

• Ask about a cash discount. Billing through insurance can be an administrative burden for providers, so some offer a small discount for patients who skip insurance and pay with cash.

• Look into memberships. Some chiropractic practices offer memberships that allow patients to pay a recurring fee to receive a set number of services each month, at a lower price than if they paid for those services individually. In Chicago, for example, one practice charges $45 for a single session or $79 per month for a membership that includes up to four visits.

• Buy in bulk with treatment packages. Bundling multiple sessions into one package can be one way to save money, compared with paying for one-off services. For instance, one California practice offers a 20% discount when patients buy a package of 20 treatments.

• Keep an eye out for specials. Chiropractic offices may run their own promotions and specials, or you can often find specials promoted on sites like Groupon.

A recent survey from Chiropractic Economics showed that 14% of chiropractic practices offer patient financing. If you go that route, you'll want to carefully review the terms of the agreement - such as the interest rate, payment schedule, and late fees - before you sign on the dotted line.

Is chiropractic care worth it?

According to one survey, most adults believe that chiropractors are effective at treating neck and back pain. And the savings that can come from potentially reducing or eliminating the need for other treatments, such as surgery, and medications may offset the cost of seeing a chiropractor.

Frequently asked questions

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