Chiropractic Economics 19th Annual Fees & Reimbursement Survey had some interesting findings about lasers.
Practices Accepting Insurance
Reviewing code S8948 for low level laser, each 15 minutes 2016 overall results:
Fee Reimbursement
US Average $37 $17
Western $42 $21
Midwestern $27 $ 8
Eastern $40 $18
Southern $35 $14
Our Observations
- Workers’ Comp carriers often treat laser differently than Healthcare Insurers.
- PIP or auto insurance carriers have their own fee schedules and approaches to laser. They are separate from Healthcare Insurers.
- Cash only practices represented 13% of the survey respondents. 28% of them offered laser. Based upon our experience, they were receiving more than the insurance reimbursement in at least three regions.
- High power lasers are not the same as low power lasers. Often, they are a straight cash modality.
Summary
Patients will pay to alleviate their pain. Lasers are an effective modality. Patients will pay out of pocket for laser therapy. Please contact us to learn more about lasers as a cash modality or read our article Should I Bill For Laser Therapy
