Jeffrey Wade
Massage therapy is an important component of many patients' treatment plans, especially in light of the opioid abuse epidemic. However, it's important to note that not all insurance providers cover massage therapy. Massage therapists can obtain liability insurance through organizations like AMTA, ABMP, and InsureLMT. These organizations offer protection in the event of incidents such as client injuries or property damage. They also provide support and assistance with claims and other benefits like magazine subscriptions and apps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Massage therapy insurance coverage | No guarantee that every insurance provider will cover massage therapy |
| How to verify coverage | Call the customer service number on the insurance card |
| Massage therapy as pain relief | Massage therapy is an important component of treatment plans for ongoing pain |
| Massage therapy as an alternative to opioids | Doctors and patients are turning to non-opioid medications and therapeutic massage |
| Prescription requirements | Clearly communicate desired massage therapy to your doctor |
| Massage therapy education | The Medical Massage Practitioner Program allows massage therapists to work within the medical community |
| Massage liability insurance | AMTA, ABMP, and InsureLMT offer liability insurance for massage therapists |
| Insurance billing | LMT Success Group offers a course on insurance billing procedures |
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What You'll Learn
Massage therapy insurance companies
Massage therapy is an important component of many people's treatment plans, especially for those suffering from ongoing pain. However, there is no guarantee that every insurance provider will cover massage therapy.
There are several massage therapy insurance companies that offer liability insurance for massage therapists. Here are some of the companies and their key features:
AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)
AMTA offers affordable massage liability insurance for massage therapy professionals and recent graduates. The insurance covers professional liability, general liability, products and personal injury. AMTA members also get dual liability coverage if they are also yoga instructors, Tai Chi practitioners, or estheticians. Hot stone massage is also included in the coverage. AMTA's insurance coverage is available in all states in the US and follows you wherever you go as long as you are practising within the scope of your license or certification.
ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals)
ABMP offers liability insurance for massage therapists and bodyworkers. The insurance covers premises liability, personal and advertising injury, medical expense coverage, and fire legal liability. Optional business personal property coverage for items like massage tables, supplies, and equipment can also be added. ABMP assists members throughout the claims process and provides support and guidance in stressful situations.
InsureLMT
InsureLMT offers massage therapist insurance for $94 per year, which includes coverage for general liability and professional liability. The company provides a student policy for $35 per year and offers full portability, meaning that your coverage follows you wherever you go in the US as long as you are following the guidelines of the state in which you practise. InsureLMT also provides immediate proof of insurance upon completion of the online application.
LMT Rehabilitation Associates
LMT Rehabilitation Associates accepts most major insurance plans for patients seeking massage therapy. Patients must provide valid proof of insurance at each office visit to allow for proper claims filing.
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Massage therapy as pain relief
Massage therapy is an increasingly popular method of pain relief. In the context of an opioid abuse epidemic, doctors and patients are turning to alternative methods of pain management, including non-opioid medications and therapeutic massage. Massage therapy is a safe and effective option for pain relief, with research supporting its use in reducing anxiety and improving health-related quality of life.
A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine in 2014 found that 60-minute therapeutic massage sessions, two to three times a week, for four weeks, relieved chronic neck pain more effectively than shorter or less frequent massages, or no massage at all. Massage therapy can involve varying degrees of pressure, and it is important to communicate your preferences to your therapist. Lighter massages may be more beneficial for relaxation, and people with certain conditions such as fibromyalgia may only be able to tolerate light pressure. Massage therapy can also help with sleep, with patients reporting that they were able to sleep immediately after receiving massage therapy.
Massage therapy is also useful for acute pain, with patients reporting dramatic pain relief and an improved state of mind. Massage can also help with muscle tension and increased feelings of well-being and calm.
If you are experiencing muscle pain, you can communicate this to your doctor and request a prescription for massage therapy. You can then verify that your insurance provider covers massage therapy.
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Massage liability insurance
There are several organizations that offer massage liability insurance, including AMTA and ABMP. AMTA's insurance coverage includes professional liability, general liability, products and personal injury. It also includes dual liability coverage for massage therapists who are also yoga instructors, Tai Chi practitioners, or estheticians. AMTA insurance covers up to $2 million per occurrence and $6 million in aggregate.
ABMP also offers liability insurance for massage therapists and bodyworkers. Their coverage includes premises liability, personal and advertising injury, medical expense coverage, and fire legal liability. ABMP's insurance has the profession's highest limits, with $2 million per occurrence and $6 million annual aggregate.
Another option for massage liability insurance is BBI, which offers essential coverage for massage practices at competitive prices. BBI's insurance starts at $9.99 per month or $96 per year.
In addition to these organizations, there may be other providers that offer massage liability insurance, and it is important for massage therapists to carefully consider their options and choose the coverage that best suits their needs.
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Insurance billing
Understanding Insurance Billing:
Firstly, it's essential to recognize that insurance billing is not limited to medical offices. LMTs can establish insurance-based practices in their clinics or even part-time out-call services. This flexibility allows LMTs to cater to a wider range of clients.
Differentiating Insurance Types:
The world of insurance can be complex, with various types of insurance providers and coverage options. LMTs should familiarize themselves with the differences between participating and non-participating providers and understand how the industry defines massage therapy in the context of billing. This knowledge will help LMTs navigate the billing process more effectively.
Conversion Factors and Ethical Billing:
LMTs should grasp the concept of conversion factors, which are used to determine billable amounts. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of red flags and avoid unethical billing practices. Understanding these factors ensures that LMTs can bill appropriately and maintain their professional integrity.
Billable Procedures and CPT Codes:
LMTs should be well-versed in the procedures that can be billed and the associated CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. CPT codes are essential for accurate billing and reimbursement. Understanding these codes ensures that LMTs can properly communicate the services provided to insurance companies.
Filling Out CMS 1500 Forms:
The CMS 1500 form is a standard insurance claim form. LMTs should know how to fill out this form manually and electronically. This includes understanding the various sections of the form, such as patient information, service details, and billing information.
Intake Forms and Medical History:
LMTs should be proficient in completing medical massage history/intake forms, which are crucial for insurance billing and litigation matters. These forms capture important information about the patient's medical history, symptoms, and reasons for seeking massage therapy.
Verifying Insurance and Billing Basics:
It is essential to verify a client's insurance coverage before providing services. LMTs should know the basics of insurance verification, including understanding benefit plans, coverage limits, and authorization requirements. This step ensures that the client's insurance will cover the provided services.
Working According to Prescription and Documentation:
LMTs should work in collaboration with the client's prescribing physician. Understanding the prescribed treatment plan and documenting work through SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) notes are essential for insurance billing and ensuring continuity of care.
Timelines and Procedures for Filing Claims:
LMTs should be aware of the timelines and procedures for filing insurance claims. This includes knowing the required documentation, claim submission processes, and follow-up procedures to ensure timely reimbursement.
Dealing with Personal Injury Cases and Worker's Compensation:
LMTs should be prepared to handle insurance billing for personal injury cases, worker's compensation, and private insurance. Understanding the specific requirements and procedures for these cases ensures that LMTs can effectively navigate the billing process and receive proper reimbursement.
Getting Paid Quickly and in Full:
One of the critical aspects of insurance billing is ensuring prompt and complete payment. LMTs should learn strategies to expedite reimbursement, such as understanding billing cycles, following up on claims, and maintaining accurate records.
Continuous Learning and Seminars:
To excel in insurance billing, LMTs should take advantage of seminars, workshops, and online courses specifically designed to teach insurance billing practices for massage therapy. These educational opportunities provide valuable tips and tricks to navigate the complex world of insurance reimbursement.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about insurance billing practices, LMTs can effectively incorporate insurance-based services into their practices, increasing accessibility for clients and ensuring a steady revenue stream for their businesses.
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Insurance coverage
Massage therapy is an important component of treatment plans for people suffering from ongoing pain. However, not every insurance provider will cover massage therapy. Massage therapists should consider getting liability insurance to protect themselves in case something goes wrong during a session and a client sues them.
There are several insurance providers that offer liability insurance for massage therapists. For example, InsureLMT offers massage therapist insurance for $94, covering more than 500 different services. Their program provides full portability, meaning that coverage follows the therapist wherever they go in the United States, as long as they follow the guidelines of the state in which they practice. InsureLMT also offers a student policy for only $35 for a year of coverage.
AMTA membership includes affordable broad liability insurance for massage therapy professionals and recent graduates. The coverage includes professional liability, general liability, products, and personal injury. It covers up to $2 million per occurrence and $6 million aggregate. AMTA also offers dual liability coverage for massage therapists who are also yoga instructors, Tai Chi practitioners, or estheticians.
ABMP membership also includes liability insurance for massage therapists and bodyworkers. The coverage includes premises liability, personal and advertising injury, medical expense coverage, and fire legal liability. ABMP's strength is in its support for members, with a team that guides members through their next steps in the event of an incident.
The Medical Massage Practitioner Program is another insurance provider designed to allow massage therapists to work within the medical community.
In terms of health insurance coverage for massage therapy, it is important to verify coverage with your insurance provider. You can do this by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and asking the right questions. It is helpful to have a prescription from your doctor for medical massage therapy, specifying the diagnosis or diagnosis code number. You can also ask about any limitations on the number of visits or the length of each visit.
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Frequently asked questions
LMT insurance is liability insurance for massage therapists and bodyworkers. It covers massage therapists in the case of an unexpected liability, such as a client injury or damage to property.
LMT insurance covers general liability and professional liability. General liability includes premises liability (slip and fall), personal injury, and fire legal liability. Professional liability, also known as malpractice insurance, covers claims of third-party injury or property damage as a result of the service provided.
LMT insurance is not mandatory but it is important to have it in case something goes wrong during a session and a client sues you. Many employers also require liability insurance before allowing employees to work.
There are several companies that offer LMT insurance, including InsureLMT, AMTA, and ABMP. InsureLMT offers a student policy for $35 a year and their standard policy is $94 a year. AMTA offers liability insurance as part of their membership and covers up to $2 million per occurrence and $6 million aggregate. ABMP membership includes liability insurance and other benefits such as free CE hours and apps.
It is important to verify with your insurance company that massage therapy is covered under your plan. Contact a representative through the customer service number (usually on the back of your insurance card) and ask if massage therapy is covered.
