01/10/2026
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, "Do you take insurance?"
The short answer is - no.
But there is so much more to it than that and I want to take a minute to give a deeper explanation and how insurance covered massage therapy actually works.
This a great question, and I understand why people ask. I don’t currently accept insurance because I’m a solo practitioner, and the billing process can be very time-consuming requiring unpaid administrative work with long delays in payment. As a one-person business this is unsustainable for me.
By staying private-pay, I’m able to focus fully on providing individualized, high-quality care without the treatment limitations often required by insurance companies. I understand that this may be disappointing for clients wishing to use their massage benefits.
1. How insurance typically covers massage-
In theory:
Many insurance plans advertise “massage benefits” or “manual therapy benefits.” This leads people to reasonably assume:
-Massage is covered
-They can see a massage therapist directly
-Sessions are similar to chiropractic or PT visits
In reality:
Massage is usually covered only if ALL of the following are true:
-The massage is medically necessary
-There is a diagnosis code that insurance accepts
-The massage is part of a treatment plan
-Often requires a referral or prescription
-The therapist is credentialed and contracted with that insurer
-The session follows insurance-defined rules, not therapist discretion
If any piece is missing this will result in denial or non-payment.
Common denial reasons include:
“Massage is not medically necessary”
“Maintenance care is not covered”
“Diagnosis does not support massage”
“Exceeded visit limits”
“Improper or incomplete documentation”
“Service is considered wellness, not medical”
Even when massage is covered:
-It’s often limited to 6–12 visits per year
-Sessions may be restricted to as little as 15–30 minutes
-Reimbursement rates are often very low
-Payments can take 30–90+ days, or never arrive at all
2. Insurance definition of “medical necessity”:
Massage must
-Treat a specific diagnosable condition
-Show measurable improvement
-Be part of a short-term corrective plan
NOT be for:
Stress relief
General pain management
Chronic conditions without “improvement”
Maintenance or prevention
Relaxation or wellness
What this means in practice:
Chronic pain clients often get denied
Autoimmune, fibromyalgia, migraines, stress-related pain = commonly denied
Once someone “plateaus,” coverage usually stops
Clients feel better → insurance says care is no longer necessary
Clients don’t improve fast enough → insurance also denies
I hope this gives a better understanding of why I choose not to take insurance and can help you navigate the system if you are trying for self-reimbursement.
Thanks and be well!
Autumn R Childe LMT
HANDCRAFTED MASSAGE
509 688 4889
