Chiropractors are healthcare providers that provide relief from back, neck and spinal pain. In most states, chiropractors are recognized as primary care providers and able to treat patients without a referral from an MD. Chiropractors can diagnose and treat many conditions, but they cannot write prescriptions.
When Should You See a Medical Doctor Before You Go to a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal conditions in children and adults. If you’re experiencing pain in your joints, back or neck, your chiropractor can often help very quickly. However, if you’ve seriously injured yourself, breaking a bone or have a torn ligament, you may need treatment outside the scope of your chiropractor. You may need to work with both a medical doctor and chiropractor to get the best treatment.
Your chiropractor may want to have x-rays or scans performed to know what kind of damage you’ve done to your body. Your doctor should be able to share that information, but the ease of sharing depends on the technology each office has. You can ask for digital copies of MRIs, CT Scans or other tests to be sent to the chiropractor or get copies in digital format yourself for your chiropractor to access.
Will Your Insurance Company Pay?
Most insurance companies allow patients to see a chiropractor, but the rules may vary under your plan. Don’t assume that your insurance plan will cover a particular procedure without checking the benefits. Make sure the chiropractor is treated as an in-network provider or you could get a larger bill than anticipated. Check the number of visits you have, too. Don’t be afraid to ask your insurance company questions about your benefits.
What About Workers’ Compensation?
Many workers’ compensation benefits include chiropractic care when it can help relieve pain and distress. However, under many plans, the injured worker needs approval from the plan before the workers’ comp insurance will pay. If you believe that a chiropractor will help you after a work injury, talk to the doctor who is treating you to see if you can be seen by a chiropractor. You may need to file paperwork for approval, but it is worth the time.
Bottom line, most people can go to the chiropractor without needing a referral from their doctor or insurance company. But it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about any health issues that your chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD might need to be aware of. Also, if you expect your insurance to pay for chiropractic care, it’s a good idea to check the specifics of your plan.
Thanks to Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and referrals.