Medical Insurance and Massage

Insurance companies that cover medical massage usually require treatment to be focused on specific musculoskeletal, fascial, or pathological conditions, injuries, or disorders, and/or pain management. Because this massage is treatment-specific, it entails a detailed health history and discussion about your area of concern. As a result, the assessment will include range of motion testing, orthopedic testing, visual and palpation evaluation.  Moreover, it will also include detailed charting and discussions with referring providers. I will also file your claim to your insurance company and work with them in order to get it paid.

You will need to check with your health insurance to determine if massage is covered under your plan. Coverage benefits depend on your insurance plan. In addition, some plans require a doctor referral. I will bill your insurance in units of 15 minutes. Most insurers have a maximum of four units (60 minutes) per visit.

Health Savings Account (HSA) payments are accepted. Massage therapy is a qualified medical expense if the reason you are seeking treatment is medically necessary. Your physician can make that determination and write a prescription for massage. I do not require a prescription to use HSA funds; however, I highly recommend that you obtain one in case your HSA bank requests it.

Required for billing insurance

  1. Understand your massage therapy benefits. Use this form to ask specific questions about your coverage: How to Check Your Insurance Benefits.
    • Intel employees: You do not need to call for benefits if you have Anthem Blue Cross or Providence. You have a deductible or a co-insurance that will be due at the time of service.
  2. A prescription from your medical doctor may be required before the appointment can be made. Please contact your insurance to determine your benefits and ask if a prescription or prior authorization is needed.
    • Intel plans (Anthem Blue Cross and Providence) require a prescription
  3. A presenting complaint of loss of function due to pain, tension, injury, and/or lack of mobility.

Please contact me with any questions. My fax number for the prescription is (503) 419-9872.

I am currently a participating provider with:

  • Providence – EPO, Preferred PPO
  • Blue Cross — Preferred, Individual & Family, PeaceHealth, RealValue, MedAdvantage PPO, and BlueAdvantage HMO