Do I Need a Referral for a Chiropractor in Laurel, MD?

Some insurance carriers require that patients obtain referrals from their primary care physicians (or other specialists) before receiving additional treatment. Depending on your insurance policy’s mandates, you may or may not (but likely will not) need a referral before seeking treatment with the experienced chiropractic team at AmeriWell Clinics.

Do I Need a Referral for a Chiropractor in Laurel, MD?

There is a common misconception about chiropractors: they are somehow not real medical professionals because they do not use surgery or prescribe medication. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, chiropractors typically have a more extensive understanding of human anatomy than most general practitioners or primary care physicians. A chiropractor spends an equivalent number of hours learning about the body, and they also must complete a residency with experienced doctors of chiropractic before receiving their license.

A doctor of chiropractic is a medical professional and, therefore, their services are generally covered by most medical insurance providers. With that said, the medical insurance industry is a notoriously fickle and nuanced “bunch.” As a result, it is always a good idea to ask your specific healthcare insurance provider whether you will need a referral from your primary care physician and/or a specialist before you can begin receiving chiropractic care that is covered by your policy. While it is not ideal, it is worth noting that you can choose to pay out of pocket if you don’t have health insurance or your health insurance provider denies your request to be seen by a chiropractic professional.

Will I Require a Referral for Additional Care?

A chiropractor will not do anything to endanger a patient intentionally. A doctor of chiropractic will most often perform imaging tests before laying hands on a patient, allowing them to get a complete picture of what is happening beneath the skin.

While minor injuries are treatable with chiropractic therapy, a doctor of chiropractic will not hesitate to send a patient to the hospital if the physical injury is severe or if adjustments risk further damage. As medical professionals promise to “do no harm,” a chiropractor upholds a similar promise. If a chiropractor recommends additional care, remember that you may have to ask your health insurance provider whether your chiropractor’s referral for that specialized care will meet the provider’s specific requirements for coverage of that additional care.

Chiropractic Assistance Is Available

Are you experiencing back pain or musculoskeletal pain? Connect with the experienced chiropractic team at AmeriWell Clinics today. Your initial appointment will likely focus on patient history, imaging, diagnosis, and developing a treatment plan for your medical challenges. If you are concerned that your insurance provider may require you to obtain a referral before seeking treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire about your coverage before speaking with our team. Additionally, if you have questions about what kind of coverage we accept and whether your provider generally requires referrals before approving coverage, don’t hesitate to connect with our team.