Chiropractic care can help with chronic back and neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, and other conditions. However, chiropractic care is typically not covered by health insurance plans, leaving many people wondering how much a chiropractor costs without insurance.
The cost of chiropractic treatment varies greatly depending on location, the condition being treated, number of visits required, and additional services provided. A single chiropractic visit without insurance typically costs between $65 and $125. Ongoing chiropractic care over a series of visits typically costs $650 to $1000 or more.
The costs may appear prohibitively high to those who do not have insurance. However, paying out-of-pocket for chiropractic care may be more cost-effective in the long run than covering deductibles, copays, and coinsurance through traditional health insurance.
How Much is a Chiropractor Visit?
The cost for a single visit to a chiropractor typically ranges from $65-$125 nationwide. The initial consultation and exam is often more expensive than follow-up appointments.
Some of the factors that influence the cost per visit include:
- Location – Costs are higher in major metropolitan areas and more expensive states. Visits may be $100+ in cities like New York and San Francisco. More affordable rates around $65 per visit are often found in smaller towns and rural locations.
- Services – Basic manual spinal adjustments cost less than specialized techniques, physiotherapy, or additional modalities like electrical muscle stimulation. Complex visits with multiple treatments cost more.
- Time- Longer appointments that require more of the chiropractor’s time are usually more expensive. A standard 15-30 minute visit tends to cost less than a 60-90 minute comprehensive visit.
- Insurance discounts – Chiropractors may offer discounted rates for patients who pay cash prices instead of going through insurance. However, this isn’t always true.
Knowing the typical costs in your area can help you plan for and budget chiropractic treatment. Be sure to get a quote ahead of your first appointment.
How Much Does a Chiropractor Cost Without Insurance?
For patients who pay entirely out of pocket without insurance coverage, the total cost of a course of chiropractic treatment can quickly add up.
A typical treatment plan includes at least 12 visits spread over several weeks or months. Some patients with chronic conditions may require ongoing care, including periodic visits over longer periods of time.
Without insurance, the total costs for a full series of chiropractic visits often ranges from $650 up to $1,000 or more:
- Acute problem – For an acute issue like a back injury or headache, costs may be around “$650-$800” for 12-15 sessions over 6-8 weeks.
- Chronic condition – Ongoing care for a chronic problem like arthritis may be “$1,000 or more” for 12-24 visits over several months, along with periodic maintenance.
- Complex needs – Patients with multiple issues requiring longer sessions and more types of services could pay **$1,500+** over 3-6 months of intensive treatment.
However, keep in mind that each patient’s treatment plan will vary depending on the severity of their condition. Some patients see results after a few sessions, while others require months of treatment.
Ask your chiropractor about their session fees, the number of visits they recommend, and the total estimated cost of your personalized treatment plan.
Do Chiropractors Take Insurance?
In general, seeing a chiropractor requires you to pay out of pocket. Chiropractic care is rarely covered by insurance because it is considered an alternative medical treatment.
Only about 30% of insurance plans provide coverage for chiropractic services. Even if they are covered, patients must still pay deductibles, copays, coinsurance, limitations, and exclusions.
Here are some things to know about insurance and chiropractic coverage:
Medicare – Covers only manual manipulation of the spine to treat subluxation. Does not cover exams, x-rays, therapies.
Medicaid – Chiropractic coverage varies by state. Only about half of state programs cover chiropractic to some extent.
Private insurance – A minority of PPO and HMO plans offer some chiropractic benefits. Usually limited to 12-20 visits per year with copays.
Worker’s compensation – Required to cover chiropractic care for work-related injuries and accidents in most states.
Auto insurance – Also required to cover chiropractic treatment for accident-related injuries in many states.
Always call ahead to verify your chiropractor accepts your insurance plan. Be aware of any limitations or maximums for chiropractic coverage.
Chiropractic Services
In addition to standard spinal adjustments, chiropractors may offer a range of therapeutic services. Advanced techniques and modalities can enhance treatment effectiveness but also increase costs per visit.
NUCCA Chiropractic
NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) is a precise form of spinal adjustment focusing on the top vertebrae of the neck. Helps balance the spine and central nervous system. Sessions cost $70-$150.
Spinal Decompression
Uses a specialized table to gently stretch the spine over a series of 20-30 minute sessions. Helps herniated discs. Cost is $75-$200 per session.
Knee Pain Rehabilitation
Chiropractic adjustments combined with physical therapy techniques to increase mobility and reduce chronic knee pain. $80-$150 per 45-60 minute visit.
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
Helps alleviate nerve pain and numbness using electrotherapy, laser therapy, massage, and custom orthotics. $100-$175 per visit.
Laser Therapy
Uses light energy to stimulate tissue regeneration and decrease inflammation. Added to other treatments for $25-$50 per session.
Shockwave Therapy
High-energy sound waves applied to injured muscles and joints to accelerate healing. $100-$250 per treatment depending on body part.
More advanced chiropractic techniques and multiple modalities administered in a single longer session generally cost more out-of-pocket.
How Location Affects Cost
Where you live and receive chiropractic treatment can impact costs significantly. Average visit fees range from $65-$125 nationwide, but can be higher or lower depending on the state and city.
Some of the most expensive areas for chiropractic care include:
- New York, NY – $120-$150 average visit
- San Francisco, CA – $95-$140 average visit
- Washington, DC – $100-$150 average visit
- Boston, MA – $100-$175 average visit
More affordable chiropractic services may be found in:
- Rural Midwest and South – $60-$80 per visit
- Small cities and towns – $65-$95 per visit
- Suburban areas – $70-$100 per visit
In general, expect to pay more in densely populated urban areas and coastal cities versus interior or rural regions. Commuter towns and suburbs surrounding major metro areas tend to have mid-range pricing.
Comparing rates from multiple chiropractors in your location can help you find the best value for your budget.
How Much Does a Chiropractor Cost Conclusion
Seeing a chiropractor without insurance can be expensive, with typical fees ranging from $65 to $125 per visit.
However, for many people, paying out-of-pocket for chiropractic care is still less expensive in the long run than traditional health insurance with high deductibles, copays, and coinsurance charges.
While the exact cost varies depending on your location, condition, and length of treatment, most patients pay $650-$1,000 or more for a full course of chiropractic care.
Contact chiropractors in your area to obtain quotes for your personalized treatment plan recommendations. While the initial costs may appear intimidating, the potential benefits of chiropractic treatment make it worthwhile for many patients.
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