If you’re on Medicare and exploring chiropractic care in Walnut Creek, you probably have questions, what’s covered, what’s not, and how to avoid surprise bills.
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness, we help Medicare patients every day navigate the specifics of their coverage. Whether you’re managing pain or simply seeking better mobility, this guide breaks down exactly how Medicare works when it comes to chiropractic care.
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?
Yes, Original Medicare (Part B) covers spinal manipulation performed by a chiropractor, but only when it’s medically necessary to correct a subluxation. A subluxation refers to a misalignment of the vertebrae that causes pain, limited motion, or nerve irritation.
What’s covered:
- Manual spinal adjustment for an active spinal subluxation
What’s not covered:
- Initial exams or evaluations
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Massage or acupuncture
- Therapeutic exercises and modalities
- Maintenance or wellness visits
At Elite CRW, we’ll assess whether your condition qualifies under Medicare guidelines and only proceed with treatment that meets the criteria for coverage, or offer alternative solutions if not.
Understanding Costs: Copays and Deductibles
Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved cost for spinal manipulation, and you are responsible for the remaining 20% after meeting your Part B deductible.
For example:
- If the Medicare-approved amount is $40, you may owe around $8 per visit.
- Additional services not covered by Medicare will be billed separately at our affordable self-pay rates.
We’ll explain all costs before any treatment is provided, no surprises, no confusion.
How Many Visits Does Medicare Allow?
Medicare doesn’t place a fixed limit on the number of visits per year, but it does require that all visits be part of an active treatment plan. Once your condition stabilizes, Medicare considers further visits to be “maintenance care” and will no longer cover them.
This is why documentation is important. At Elite CRW, we:
- Track clinical progress for every Medicare patient
- Submit the correct treatment codes
- Clearly differentiate between active care and maintenance
If maintenance care is recommended, we’ll go over affordable options for continuing care outside of Medicare billing.
What About Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered through private insurance companies and may include more generous chiropractic benefits than Original Medicare.
Some Advantage plans may cover:
- Initial evaluations and exams
- Therapeutic modalities (like laser therapy or decompression)
- Additional visits
- Lower or no copayments
We work with many Medicare Advantage patients and can verify your benefits before your first visit to help you get the most out of your plan.
How to Get Started with Medicare Chiropractic Care
Here’s how to begin:
- Verify your plan – Bring your Medicare or Advantage card with you. We’ll help confirm your coverage and explain what’s included.
- Schedule your evaluation – Even if Medicare doesn’t cover the exam, we’ll keep costs transparent and affordable.
- Receive care based on your plan – We build treatment plans that align with your medical need and coverage structure.
We’re here to simplify the process and ensure you’re never in the dark about your options.
Why Walnut Creek Patients Choose Elite CRW
Our team understands how Medicare works, and more importantly, we know how to make it work for you.
At Elite Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness, you’ll get:
- Honest, transparent billing and communication
- Medicare-compliant care plans
- Support for pain relief, mobility, and recovery
- Optional self-pay options when needed, without pressure
We’re committed to helping Walnut Creek’s Medicare community feel better with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic care can be an important part of staying mobile and pain-free as you age, and Medicare does cover a portion of that care when it’s medically necessary.
At Elite CRW, we’ll walk you through the process, explain every detail, and provide high-quality chiropractic care that’s Medicare-friendly and personalized to your needs.
Contact us today to book your first visit or to verify your benefits.
