.png)
USING A HEALTH SAVINGS OR FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT?
Here is what you need to do first...
MAKE SURE YOU ARE QUALIFIED
Before you do anything else, contact your medical insurance carrier and ask if massage therapy is considered a covered treatment (or HR if it's an FSA). In some situations, an insurance policy won’t cover massages, even if you get a prescription from a doctor (looking at you Tricare). The majority of patients/clients who have an FSA or HSA have no trouble covering their massages.
VISIT YOUR PRIMARY CARE
After checking to see if you are qualified, go see your doctor, or PCM. (Tip: Don't start your visit by saying you want massage.. explain your symptoms first.)
There is a huge variety of mental and physical conditions that could qualify for a massage. Stress-related symptoms, circulation issues caused by diabetes or hypertension, sciatic symptoms, arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression and chronic back pain are all examples that could qualify for massage therapy.
Not all doctors are aware of the health benefits of massage therapy (some may even be resistant to alternative treatments), so go to your appointment prepared... case studies, types of massage and how they help.... If you need help with this, contact me. I will absolutely help you out the best that I can.
Please be sure you are being honest when speaking with your doctor regarding your symptoms and why you think massage would be a beneficial therapy.
GET A PRESCRIPTION
Once you and your doctor have discussed your symptoms and massage therapy benefits you’ll need them to write a prescription for a massage (Insurance views this as proof that you actually need an HSA or FSA massage).
The prescription will need:
* The reason you need massage therapy (specific medical condition or injury)
*The number of sessions you will need each month (example: 4 per month, 2 per month, etc.)
* The duration of treatment: How long should each session be... 30min, 60min, etc.. as well as how long will you be needing massage therapy treatment (how many months will you be getting massage sessions: 3 months, 12 months, etc.)
Getting a prescription should be easier done than said, so don't stress (another cause for massage) over getting a prescription.
BOOK YOUR SESSION(S)
Once all the other steps are done, book your session! (bring your prescription with you, so I can make a copy to go in your health file)
Be sure to keep track of your records for taxes. You will get an itemized receipt for each session emailed, printed, or both if you choose.
As always, if you have questions, call, text, or email me.