The cost of being treated by a chiropractor depends on various factors. There is no “average” chiropractor cost because the issues you are experiencing may require a series of treatments – all of which will have different costs.
Another factor that will influence the cost of chiropractic care is whether or not you can be helped in a single visit or if you’ll require ongoing care. Overall, you may end up paying more for multiple visits, but you may also be able to save money by paying for treatments in advance.
Whether or not you have insurance and your policy covers chiropractic care can also greatly influence your out-of-pocket costs.
Typical Chiropractic Services That Will Affect the Cost
These are some of the services you can expect to pay different fees for when you visit the chiropractor:
- Initial consultation: Your first chiropractic adjustment may cost a little more than your typical adjustment due to the longer appointment necessary to assess your health, history, and condition.
- Routine adjustment visit: A routine visit is a simple appointment to perform spinal manipulations.
- Rehabilitation visit: A rehabilitation visit is a longer appointment that includes therapies like massage, traction, etc.
- X-rays or MRI: Imaging will also cost extra, depending on the number and type of images needed. These are often required at your initial visit.
- Follow-up and maintenance care: Follow-up and maintenance care visits are typically shorter appointments to reinforce adjustments.
- Additional services: Any additional services beyond the scope of the typical appointment, like vestibular therapy, infrared light therapy, and cognitive therapy, will also result in additional costs per session.
How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance? Cash-paying or uninsured patients may get a discounted rate compared to insured rates. The first few visits are often more expensive, with lower fees for wellness maintenance care.
Additional Factors That Influence Chiropractic Costs
Beyond treatment options, other factors influence the cost of chiropractic care. Here’s a rundown:
The Chiropractic Clinic’s Location
Chiropractors in urban areas tend to have higher rates due to higher overhead costs, while chiropractors in rural or suburban practices often price on the lower end. Competitive markets can drive the cost of chiropractic care down, while chiropractors in areas with a higher cost of living may charge more.
Education and Experience
Recently graduated chiropractors may offer lower rates as they build a practice, while experienced chiropractors with years in practice charge higher rates. Specialists like sports chiropractors are on the higher end when it comes to prices. In addition to this, advanced degrees and extra credentials will also allow higher pricing.
Reputation and Demand
The combination of the type of chiropractor, location, specialty, and credentials impacts pricing. Some chiropractors charge more due to their reputation and the fact that their services are in demand. Patients are often willing to pay more for an experienced chiropractor with excellent references, client testimonials, and outcomes.
Insurance Coverage and Chiropractic Care
Insurance and self-pay options can offset the costs of chiropractic care. Many insurance plans cover a portion of chiropractic care costs, though coverage varies widely between plans. Before your chiropractor appointment, be sure to verify your coverage, because some plans exclude chiropractic care or require referrals.
If your insurance does not cover chiropractic treatment, ask your provider about flexible self-pay rates or discounted packages. Investing in your health now can reduce pain and prevent more costly medical procedures down the road.
Estimating Your Total Chiropractic Treatment Costs
Before you commit to a course of treatment, you may want to estimate your total chiropractic treatment costs to understand exactly what to expect. Your chiropractor’s office can help with this. Here are some tips for calculating the potential costs of an entire chiropractic treatment plan:
- Ask a staff member at your chiropractor’s office to estimate the anticipated number of visits your condition may require and the duration of care.
- Multiply their average per-visit fee by the estimated number of sessions. This provides the base cost.
- Factor in any initial exam fees or imaging costs needed at the start. These are usually higher.
- Add the costs of any additional therapies or modalities that may be incorporated.
- Check what percentage your insurance will cover, then apply coinsurance or copays to estimate your out-of-pocket portion.
- Inquire about discounts for paying a lump sum package price upfront in cash.
- Consider bonuses like free massages or orthotics after several paid visits. This can lower your net costs.
- Ask about cancellation and late policies. Missing appointments may incur fees you’ll want to know about beforehand.
- Get a written estimate so there are no surprises. Your final cost for chiropractic treatment should align closely with this.
12 Questions to Ask Your Chiropractic Team When Estimating Costs
Here are some suggested questions to ask your chiropractor when trying to estimate complete treatment costs:
- How many total visits do you estimate my condition will require?
- What is the typical duration you expect for treatment plans for my issue?
- What is your fee for the initial consultation and exam?
- What is your standard fee for follow-up adjustment or therapy appointments?
- Will any extra services like x-rays, massage, or physical therapy be incorporated, and what are those costs?
- Do you offer package pricing if I prepay for a set number of visits upfront? What discounts come with that?
- What percentage of your fees will my insurance cover based on my plan?
- Do I have copays or coinsurance amounts per visit?
- Is there an annual limit on the number of visits or dollar amount covered by my insurer?
- Is there a discount if I pay the full cash rate without insurance?
- What are your policies on cancellations and late appointments?
- Can you provide a written summary of the full estimated costs so I can budget appropriately?
Asking detailed questions upfront helps avoid surprise charges down the road. Most chiropractors are happy to provide complete fee estimates.At Naples Community Injury Center, we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions you have about pricing or treatments.
