Massage Insurance from £3.19 per month (2024)

FAQs

What is the insurance code for medical massage? ›

97124 Massage Therapy

Describes the work inherent in massage, which is a separate and distinct service from codes 98940-98943. CPT code 97124 describes work including effleurage, petrissage, and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion) for every 15 minutes.

Therefore, it is recommended to be getting massaged at least every other week (if not every week!). Massage helps reduce the formation of scar tissue and improves the healing process, both which are very important to athletes as they rebuild their muscles throughout their training.

Medicare doesn't cover massage therapy.

Many massage therapists and bodyworkers view their work as health care practice, and tipping is not normal in most medical settings.

Massage therapy CAN be a qualified medical expense, if you meet all of the criteria below. The IRS ruling states: “Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body.

3. Therapeutic Massage. It's always important to check your state practice act, but in most cases, physical therapists can bill CPT code 97124 (massage therapy) when they provide therapeutic massage.

Fights stress and improves mood

Massage has become synonymous with self-care and stress relief, and science proves exactly why. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Miami proves that patients who receive regular treatments reduced their levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 53%.

For general health and relaxation, we recommend one or two 60-minute massages per month. Regular sessions have excellent health benefits and prevent pain, stress, and muscle tension from building up in clients who are under light to moderate stress.

The short answer would be as often as you like really. The long answer depends on many factors to include the type of massage you are having, your pain and physical needs and indeed your stress and emotional needs. A massage every week or every two weeks would be ideal but not realistic for every person.

Studies indicate that deep tissue massage can effectively relieve chronic neck and lower back pain, and pain following a C-section. Individuals with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition resulting in pain in the muscles and fascia, may also benefit from deep tissue work.

Why doesn't Medicare cover massage therapy? ›

Medicare considers massage therapy an “alternative treatment,” so it's not deemed medically necessary. That's why Original Medicare (parts A and B) won't pay for massage therapy sessions. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, on the other hand, might cover massage therapy.

Medically necessary hands-on MLD is a covered Medicare service and is coded using CPT® 97140 for manual therapy.

It is important to note that there has been a controversial discussion on whether full body massage does involve touching of the genitals. The laid down code of conduct among practitioners prohibits them from touching the genitalia among both women and men, and breasts among women.

"Whether you get a massage on a regular basis or view it as an occasional treat, it's important to know that tipping for your massage is considered proper etiquette," says Sharon Schweitzer, international etiquette expert and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide.

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.

CPT 97124 should be used when a qualified healthcare professional performs any massage technique on the patient in a clinical setting. The qualified healthcare professional includes: Physical Therapist.

97124: Therapeutic procedure, one or more areas, each 15 minutes; massage, including effleurage, petrissage and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion). 97140: Manual therapy techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, each 15 minutes.

The definition for 97124 CPT code is a therapeutic procedure consisting of massage, effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement (stroking, percussion, or compression) to one or more body areas, every 15 minutes.

97811 – Acupuncture, one or more needles, without electrical stimulation, each additional 15 minutes. With re-insertion.