Understanding Hypnotherapy Insurance Billing For Better Reimbursement

Hypnotherapy can be an expensive endeavour, with some people spending upwards of $500 out of pocket for a full course of treatment. However, hypnotherapy is sometimes covered by insurance, with some companies covering between 50% and 80% of the bill. Medicare does not typically cover hypnotherapy, but it does have a billing code for it, meaning it may be covered in certain circumstances. Private health insurance companies are more likely to cover hypnotherapy, but usually only if it is deemed medically necessary for issues like chronic pain, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, weight loss, or smoking cessation. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if hypnotherapy is covered by your plan.

Hypnotherapy and Medicare Coverage

Medicare does not typically cover hypnotherapy, as it is considered alternative medicine. However, there are certain circumstances in which Medicare may cover hypnotherapy. If you have a diagnosis that is covered by Medicare, such as chronic pain, and your doctor refers you to hypnotherapy for pain management, there is a chance that Medicare will cover some of the costs. This is because Medicare has a billing code for hypnotherapy, indicating that it has the infrastructure to pay for hypnotherapy in certain cases.

To find out if your hypnotherapy will be covered by Medicare, it is best to speak with them directly before beginning your sessions. You can contact Medicare at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to discuss your plan's coverage. It is also recommended to ask your healthcare provider about billing Medicare for your hypnotherapy, as your doctor may need to get prior approval from Medicare before billing them.

If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), your plan may offer hypnotherapy benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and cover the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B, but with additional benefits that original Medicare doesn't cover. Therefore, depending on the plans available in your area, you may be able to find a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hypnotherapy.

If Medicare does not cover your hypnotherapy, there are other options for coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage for certain types of alternative therapies, including hypnotherapy. Additionally, many counselors and therapists offer sliding-scale payment plans, and some community health centers offer free or low-cost services. You can also look into extra insurance or other ways to pay, such as using a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Hypnotherapy and Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance companies will often cover a portion of hypnotherapy costs if it is deemed medically necessary. Medically necessary conditions may include chronic pain, depression, anxiety, sleep issues, weight loss, smoking cessation, and more. The amount covered by insurance varies widely depending on the insurance company, the plan, and the condition being treated, but it typically ranges from 50% to 80% of the bill. Some insurance companies will only cover hypnosis if it is used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy or other types of psychotherapy. It is important to check with your insurance provider to verify coverage before seeking treatment.

Additionally, there are specific insurance companies that cover hypnotherapy, depending on the plan. For example, Blue Cross/Blue Shield will cover hypnotherapy for chronic pain and if it is done along with psychotherapy, depending on the plan. Cigna will cover hypnotherapy if hypnosis is being used to treat a covered condition, and this also depends on the plan. United Healthcare may cover hypnosis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, depending on the plan. On the other hand, the insurance company Aetna considers hypnosis and hypnotherapy to be experimental and investigational and will not cover it.

When seeking hypnotherapy treatment, it is important to ask the hypnotherapist about their insurance policies and whether they offer any discounts. Many hypnotherapists offer a discount when multiple treatments or packages are purchased. Additionally, some hypnotherapists offer a sliding scale fee schedule, which can make hypnotherapy more affordable. It may also be possible to find a lower-cost hypnotherapy session with a hypnotherapist who is working towards obtaining their certification and building their business.

Hypnosis Apps

HypnoBox

HypnoBox is the best hypnosis app, with a wealth of free resources and a lot of customization. It offers more than 600 audio hypnosis sessions for nearly any goal you're looking to reach. The app allows for personalization with options to choose voice, background sound, and to create your own sessions. It's available on iOS and Android.

Relax and Sleep Well Hypnosis

This app, developed by a hypnotherapist, includes six free hypnotherapy and meditation sessions plus over 140 additional features that are available for purchase. It can help with relaxation as well as sleep issues, so you can use it to help you relax for the day ahead or to wind down at night. It's available on Apple and Google Play.

Harmony Hypnosis Meditation

The Harmony Hypnosis app is designed to offer both self-hypnosis and meditation. Its creators suggest that the app can help decrease stress and improve relaxation, inner strength, and confidence. The app offers a 7-day free trial and a subscription service that has new topics added regularly. It's available on Apple, Google Play, web app, and Kindle.

Lose Weight Hypnosis

The Lose Weight Hypnosis app provides daily hypnotic audio sessions designed to train your mind to reset behaviors for a healthier lifestyle and better eating habits. It's one of the most popular options designed for weight loss and its founders suggest that it can help you learn to better enjoy healthy food and exercise after one to three weeks of use. It's available on Apple and Google Play.

Digipill

Digipill offers a wide variety of self-hypnosis exercises, allowing you to focus on the source of your stress and choose sessions that address your specific concerns. It uses psychoacoustics techniques and a hypnosis style called neurolinguistic programming. It's available on Apple, Google Play, and Kindle.

Anxiety Free: iCan Hypnosis

The Anxiety Free: iCan Hypnosis app was designed to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension by reaching your subconscious mind and acknowledging your stressors. It's available on Apple devices.

Hypnotherapy Insurance Companies

Hypnotherapy can be an expensive treatment option, and while Medicare and Medicaid do not cover it, some private insurance companies do. However, it depends on the insurance company, the plan, and the condition being treated. Some insurance companies consider hypnosis to be "experimental" and will not cover it.

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield: Covers hypnotherapy for chronic pain and if it is done along with psychotherapy, depending on the plan.
• Cigna: Covers hypnotherapy if hypnosis is being used to treat a covered condition; this depends on the plan.
• Humana: Covers hypnosis for depression.
• United Health Care: Some plans may cover hypnosis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Some insurance companies that offer hypnotherapy liability insurance include:

• American Professional Agency, Inc: Offers coverage for hypnotism if you are a certified hypnotist and belong to one of their approved hypnotist associations.
• Alternative Balance: Offers general and professional liability insurance for licensed or registered hypnotherapists living in the US.
• American Hypnosis Association: Provides access to professional liability insurance for certified hypnotherapists who are members of the association.
• Hiscox: Offers professional and general liability insurance for hypnotherapists working in private practice.

Hypnotherapy Insurance Costs

The cost of hypnotherapy insurance varies depending on the provider and the type of coverage. Some insurance companies offer liability insurance, which covers claims of bodily injury, medical costs, and property damage. Others provide professional liability insurance (also known as E&O insurance), which covers alleged and actual negligence, defence costs, personal injury, and claims arising from past-rendered services.

• American Professional Agency, Inc. offers coverage for hypnotism if the practitioner is certified and belongs to one of their approved hypnotist associations. Their program benefits include defence expenses related to licensing board hearings, first-party assault and battery coverage, medical payments coverage, and more. The cost of their professional liability insurance starts at $170 for $1,000,000/$3,000,000 in coverage.
• Hiscox provides professional and general liability insurance for hypnotherapists. Their professional liability insurance covers alleged and actual negligence, defence costs, personal injury, and claims arising from past-rendered services. Their general liability insurance covers bodily injury, medical costs, and property damage. They offer flexible payment options and tailored insurance plans for hypnotherapy businesses.
• Alternative Balance offers general and professional liability insurance for licensed or registered hypnotherapists in the US. Their coverage includes general liability, professional liability, personal and advertising injury, and more. They provide instant online quotes and simple application processes.

It is important to note that the cost of hypnotherapy insurance can vary based on location, the number of hypnotherapists covered, and the specific needs of the practitioner. Additionally, some insurance companies may only provide coverage if the hypnotherapist is a member of a recognized professional hypnosis association. It is recommended to compare different insurance providers and their coverage options to find the best fit for your needs.

Frequently asked questions