What To Do When Insurance Companies Won't Pay
By
The National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance
When patients
report their insurance policy will not cover acupuncture, there are several actions
you can take.
1). Make sure you are asking the right question. Even within
the same company, policies may differ. A policy may pay if acupuncture is recommended
by an MD, performed by an MD, performed by a licensed acupuncturist, performed
by an approved provider, when medically necessary, only for the treatment for
pain, etc. You or your patient should provide the correct policy number and ask
if acupuncture is covered under this policy. If it is covered, ask under what
circumstances it is covered and whether there are any limitations or stipulations
such as the number of treatments and/or conditions covered, who must perform the
treatment, etc. Take notes and get the name of the person providing the information.
Ask that a copy of the provisions regarding acupuncture be sent to you and/or
the patient in writing.
2). Make sure the information is correct. Frequently
employees are misinformed. If the employee is vague, insist that someone more
knowledgeable be consulted.
3). You or your patient, or both, may write a
letter to the insurer. If so, send the claim with a cover letter that includes:
· A statement that you are licensed by the state. Attach a copy of
your license and the law.
· A statement that licensed acupuncturists
provide services similar to those of other licensed medical professionals.
· Your patient may wish to provide a personal statement of the time, effort
and expense consulting other practitioners prior to acupuncture and the success
with acupuncture treatments by a licensed provider.
· Consider including
other material such as the National Alliance Acceptance of Acupuncture or Legislative
Update or pertinent research from Acupuncture Efficacy.
· You may
wish to include a statement that other companies pay for acupuncture and that
this company should also if it wishes to remain competitive. Consider sending
a copy to the marketing director of the company.
4). You may wish to file
a complaint with the state insurance commission. In many states the insurance
commissioner is an elected official who must stay in touch with public demands.
5). Consider sending a copy to your legislator and ask if he/she would be
interested in sponsoring a parity bill so that consumers in your state can enjoy
the benefits available in other states. Don't assume you are powerless. Take action.
Every time our voice is heard we are closer to our goals.
Provided by the
National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance