Chiropractic Economics 18th Annual Fees & Reimbursement Survey had some interesting findings about lasers.
Reviewing code S8948 for low level laser, each 15 minutes 2015 overall results for practices accepting insurance:
FEE REIMBURSEMENT
US Average $38 $18
Western $30 $ 8
Midwestern $44 $28
Eastern $44 $13
Southern $38 $17
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 16% of the survey respondents. 24% 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.
