Fees per chiropractic session average $65 for a general vertebrae adjustment, according to a recent survey in Chiropractic Economics magazine.
Sessions can range from $34 to $106 per session depending on where you live, how many regions of the spine a chiropractor services and whether exams are required.
Average fees are highest in the South, around $70 per session, and lowest in the Midwest, at $60. New patients should expect to pay slightly more on their first visit, from $61 to $161, because an overall health consultation is usually required. Chiropractors charge additional fees for X-rays, which can range from $44 to $159.
Most health insurance plans cover some level of chiropractic care, and treatment is also a tax-deductible medical expense, according to the American Chiropractic Association[1] (ACA). Many chiropractors accept insurance or payment plans.
The cost of most general chiropractic sessions includes an adjustment of the vertebrae. Using their hands and arms, doctors apply force to the back and neck to realign joints and relieve pressure or pain, according to the ACA.
The length and frequency of sessions depends on the severity of a patient's need. Patients sometimes experience a brief period of soreness after an adjustment, which generally goes away within a day or two.
Additional costs:
Some chiropractors offer additional services, or modalities, to treat chronic ailments and reduce tension. In a recent survey of 365 chiropractors, around 48 percent said they offer massage and 15 percent offer acupuncture, according to Chiropractic Economics.
Chiropractors charge an average of $42 for a massage therapy session, where they apply pressure to the body's muscles and soft tissue.
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into the body's pressure points to manipulate its energy. Acupuncturists charge $100 to $150 for an initial visit, which generally includes a consultation, and around $65 for follow-up visits.
Discounts:
Doctors who operate cash-only practices typically charge less, an average of $57 per session, because they are not concerned about what percentage of reimbursement they will receive from insurance companies, according to the Chiropractic Economics survey.
Chiropractors who have a single practice typically charge less, around $63 per session, as opposed to doctors who work in a medical group and charge an average of $70.
Shopping for a chiropractor:
The first step is finding the right doctor. Ask relatives or friends for a recommendation. The American Chiropractic Association offers a directory of members[2] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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I HAD ACUPUNTURE PT AND MASSAGES THEY ARE AMAZING -- ONLY TAKES PPO - WHICH ITS SAD BECAUSE I HAVE HMO NOW I DONT MIND PAYIG 75 IF I GET 1 HR MASSAGGE AND PHUSYICAL THERAPY ,,,, I WAS IN SOOO MUCH PAID THAT EVEN PAYING 100 WAS OK ,,, BUT I PAID 70.00 HR NOT BAD …
People who are upset about the cost or being "overcharged" need to compare costs with traditional medicine. X-rays at a Chiro will be much less costly than at a hospital. Also, when you go in for just "an adjustment", there is usually a standard charge. All other services, including massage, heat, e-stim, etc., are extra. Chiropractors can't "give away" services or "discount" services without potentially violating federal law. This is a medical specialty, not a spa. The question you need to ask is if you feel better. If so, the cost is not an issue. Finally, the Chiropractor has to itemize every service and charge by law. This is particularly true with P/I and WC cases, where the insurance companies and lawyers want every penny accounted for. If you have a complaint about the list of services that were required to heal you, it's not the fault of the Chiropractor, it's the law. For those who still think they have a gripe, Chiros can't give you hours of treatment for $19. Would you?
I pay an annual membership fee under $1000 and have for over 10 years (it's gone up since) so I can stop in as often as I need to. I don't bother with insurance claims but use my Health FSA to get a 'rebate' of my own pre-tax dollars that are set aside by my employer for medical expenses including dental & medical deductibles, etc. This is worth it to me because I believe Dr. Don's manual adjustments and acupressure techniques (with no machines or other staff to drive up costs!) keep me healthier than any massage or 'spa treatments' would. If you stop and think about it--how much do you spend on fancy coffee, liquor or getting your nails or hair done (cut/colored) in a year? (I bet it's way over $1000--just add it up) I've learned that good health is priceless! BTW, I am frugal and do NOT live in Manhattan Beach; Dr. Schmolder's location is near where I work.
Have known this man since 2009 - if you walk in off the street, the charge is 45.00 - he knew I was embroiled with the city...the attny dropped case as he did not want to go to court. I saw Dr. Rogers I think maybe a total of 7, 8 times tops......got bill for over 4000.00 - it has things in the bill that I did not even receive. I think I got 4 massages but not once did they use a tens unit on me . 200.00 for 15 min when you have a lawyer but 45 if you do not. And he never spent 15 min with me in his life. I may have sat in his office that long...…..but then it was snap, crackle pop...….have a good day.
I was already a patient of the company and had had a complete exam and X-rays. There was no adjustment as he told me it was muscular. I was charged 165 for the office visit, and an additional 105 for a heating pad. he left the room for the 5 to 10 minutes of heating pad use. I got an explanation of how to use a tennis ball to loosen muscles. I will not go back and may take my chances in small claims court.
The cost per session with Dr. Gregg Gerstin at Align Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois varies, depending on whether or not you have a discount (such as Groupon's 3 visits for $25), Align Welness Center's savings plan, and insurance. I did the Groupon deal. I had to wait a really long time to even see Dr. Gerstin with my 1st visit. In that time, I watched him and his staff not wipe down two tables with disinfectant wipes after people used them, but they could magically change the paper that had been used for the patients' heads. I also witnessed some staff just standing around, looking like they didn't know what to do next. When I finally got the tests done, I heard from Dr. Gerstin how bad everything from car accidents and certain movements to pregnancy and birth control are really bad for the spine. The 2nd visit, Dr. Gerstin went over the results of the x-rays and other tests. He wanted $200-$400 a session for a year. The 3rd visit's massage was lovely though.
I paid 130 for my first consultation. Then I paid 689 before leaving. That covered blood tests and my next visit, which would be a series of tests, such as the electricity sensitivity test. Today I paid 135 for an adjustment on my feet and I had to another 135 for next week's adjustment on whatever he says. He is holistic and I have been thousands on allopathic doctors. I want out of AMA medicine, so now this is fine. I will complain If I don't feel better and will praise him if I do.
Went to the DC for 4-1/2 years! I was never give a straight answer about their charges per session! When I questioned their charges I was quickly told they were giving me a deal and that if they charged any less the services would be for free! They made me feel like a charity case! I always paid! Never received a billing statement from them!
Posted by: Affordable Chiropractic in Newcastle, CA.
Posted: February 18th, 2016 04:02PM
Firm or Practice: Chiropractic19
This Doctor really does a good job on my spine at a great price. He even adjusts my feet and wrists. At $19 per visit and no long term contracts I'm very happy with Chiropractic19. If you need routine Chiropractic Care this is the place.
I can't believe that actual chiropractors are on this site belittling what we do and the power of what each adjustment does. What schools did you go to? What we do is amazing and we went to school a long time to perfect what we do. We keep people from getting costly surgeries and becoming reliant on drugs which eventually kills them or leads to harmful side effects. Do you really think that our treatment is worth $19 dollars per visit? DD Palmer would be rolling in his grave reading some of these responses. Just because we can work fast doesn't mean that we don't get paid what we are worth and what each adjustment is worth. THAT mentality is why people think MDs are above us and should be able to charge $400 for a 15 minute visit not even treating a patient and send them away with a prescription. This saddens me that we have succumbed to the low impression of ourselves because of pressure from people who don't understand our wonderful profession.
Went to see Dr.Carmichael due to an auto accident and was well pleased with her expertise and professionalism. She really took the time to explain what was happening and why. I would highly recommend her services to anyone. Her services are well worth the money.
I think i was overcharged considering, all i got was 5 mins of stationary bike ride and a massaging machine for little bit in my back, no adjustments of any kind. When i asked will i get any adjustment today, the chiropractor said we want to go slow. In their website they list first consultation ad free.
Dr. Heather was warm and freindly. I will be coming back again that is for sure. She took her time in the exam and her adjustment was not rough. I was scared to go back to the chiropractor but I'm not scared to go back to Dr. Heather :)
My husband was in a car accident. He saw the chiropractor 6 times and our bill is $2,150! They didn't even bill our insurance and they are in our network. The first visit alone was 200 for exam and 485 for xrays. Every appointment had tons of extra charges for putting electrodes on his back,$20 for an ice pack,and telling him to stretch after (this was charged as physical therapy and was $75 per visit). We have been ripped off and I don't know what to do!
I found her because she was near my office and my SI joint and neck were really bothering me. I may also have fibromyalgia but the back and neck pain was making everything very tender to the touch so she wanted to do adjustments with a tool and not manually. Fine. She charged *PER VERTEBRAE* for that service and charged for heat, etc. I have insurance, after insurance my first visit was $132. I said I thought this was high since I was used to paying $53 across the same town - including massage - and the receptionist argued with me instead of trying to show me why the service could possibly cost that much. I decided to go back for the second treatment, with massage, and the bill was $202 - again, after insurance. My right leg was also numb for two days and I had a migraine from the moment I stood up from the table as well, so I won't be going back there. : service in 2015, not 2014
I am a chiropractor who runs a very busy P.I practice. I am sorry to inform you that $100 per visit on a lien basis is cheap and that $100 can usually be negotiated at settlement time. In my state chiropractors charge about $190 a visit for P.I cases, but when settlement time comes they may average like $100 a visit-it just depends on the amount of the settlement.
Hi I was in a rear end car accident and the other persons insurance is covering me for all treatment, I've had about 13 sessions with this chiropractor. The insurance recently got the bill from him and based on that they are offering me compensation, which is not a lot, and my back is still in pain. I wont be able to afford to go back to him. I think this is way over priced. Please help and advise on what i should do. I still have the case open so before i close the case i need to see what i can do to insure my future care for my back.
Hello, I stumbled onto this site by accident. I am a chiropractor. Best way to be happy is ask a friend or family member who they go to and are they happy with the Doctor... Look at their reviews, I always do when it comes to anything. I charge $50 a visit here in San Diego and that is considered usual and customary for this area and I still am on the low side. I do not charge for therapies. I believe therapy helps aid in recovery. I see one person is upset with the one Doctor in Cranberry, sorry you are unhappy but enoungh. Fibromyalgia is first very difficult to diagnose and some don't respond. I am sorry for you. I hope this may help some of you. I will not leave my Bus. Name only because I don't want to look like I am advertising. Chiropractic is very safe contrary to what some say.
We have had chiropractors in our town get in trouble for fraudulent charging. My chiropractor keeps my spine in good shape for a reasonable price. Before getting adjustments, I was in pain all the time. He now has me on a vitamin that has really helped my upset stomach.
Gave me a student discount came in feeling a lot of back pain. Got right to the problem explained everything and gave me an adjustment. Thank you my life is almost pain free after so many years of pain. Affordable and totally shows he cares.
This clinic is what is need in this industry. I don't have to mess with insurance and overcharging for care. The doctor was very professional. I have had a chronic neck issue in where I need adjustments monthly. It's price right and easy with no appointments. Thanks for the care Dr.Dan.
Firm or Practice: Dr. Bogazot (Affordable Chiro Care)
Amazing, This doctor has a small office with very little overhead expenses. FANTASTIC adjustment. Wasn't rushed and felt great afterwards. This chiropractor is awesome.....Thank you so much Dr. Bogazot
Posted by: Happy Chiropractic Patient in Great Falls, MT.
Posted: March 25th, 2014 04:03PM
Firm or Practice: Kuka Chiropractic
Love this office Dr. Kuka takes the time to get to know you and get all the history on your back. I was in her office the 1st time for an Hour the the follow-ups took aprox. 15 to 20 min. First visit was 170.00 the after that depending on how many areas she adjusted it was 40 to 50
Be aware there are many different philosophies in chiropractic. From you only need manipulation (but you need 40 of them) to you only need to come in for manipulation when you feel you need to (No plan of care at all). True manipulation to simple snapping with a small impact tool. Many DCs now provide a quality treatment plan that sets goals to be met, includes various therapies as needed and most importantly shows the patient exercises that can be performed at home and/or work. My recommendation? Look for a DC that has a reasonable plan to get you better and shows you exercises that you can continue performing the 'keep yourself better' rather than having to 'keep coming back' indefinitely. If you need care again due to a new injury or flare up of a chronic problem then additional treatment may be necessary. You, however, need to take an active role in your own care. Find a DC that will do this. Cost is overall less as you don't have to keep coming back.
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