Last Updated on January 26, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
Seeing a chiropractor can provide relief from chronic back and neck pain. But visits add up quickly, especially if you don’t have insurance coverage. This guide breaks down the typical costs of chiropractic care for those paying out-of-pocket and people using their health insurance.
The initial chiropractor consultation costs anywhere between $100 and $250, while follow-up visits for treatment are usually charged $60 to $250, depending on the chiropractor you’re going to, the needed treatment, your location, and so on.
Based on data from top chiropractic clinics in major cities, initial visits average around $150. Follow-ups average $80. Prices cover the exam, spinal adjustments, and sometimes extras like massages or X-rays.
Compared to other medical treatments, chiropractic care is generally more affordable for common issues like back and neck injuries. Let’s look at sample cash prices charged by chiropractors in different cities.
As you can see, prices are fairly consistent across major metropolitan areas. Most chiropractors accept cash payments if you do not have insurance coverage.
Chiropractor New Berlin states that the average cost of a chiropractor visit without insurance is between $60 and $200 per session, depending on factors such as location and services provided. Customized treatment plans can help control the cost of chiropractic care without insurance, typically averaging around $95 per appointment.
San Diego NUCCA notes that on average, chiropractic visits can cost anywhere from around $30 to a few hundred dollars per appointment. Typically, expect to pay around $95 per visit. Without having insurance, you can plan on paying between $100-$250 per visit.
Dr. Osland writes that the average cost of a chiropractic visit without insurance typically ranges from $65 to $200 per chiropractic session, but prices can vary based on factors such as location, practitioner experience, type of treatment, additional services, and visit duration.
According to GoodRx, without insurance, the average cost of seeing a chiropractor can range anywhere from around $60 to $200 in most parts of the country. According to the 2022 Chiropractic Economics Annual Fees and Reimbursements Survey, chiropractic visits can cost $61 to $185 depending on the type of provider.
Always check your coverage details. Do not assume services will be fully covered. Contact your insurer with questions.
You might also like our articles about the cost of chiropractor school, radiology technician school, and health insurance.
Other services like X-rays are not covered. You must pay 20% of Medicare’s approved amount after meeting your deductible.
Most chiropractors bill per visit. Prepayment discounts may be offered for packages of future visits. Make sure you understand refund policies before prepaying. Do not feel pressured. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
Over 35 million Americans see a chiropractor annually. Reasons patients choose chiropractic care include:
It is 40% more effective for pain than traditional treatments.
Patients reduce medication costs by 85% using chiropractic therapies.
Chiropractic cuts hospital visits by 60% for seniors.
It provides medication-free pain relief.
There are a few key reasons your health insurance plan may not cover or fully cover chiropractic services:
Always contact your insurance provider to understand exactly what chiropractic services are covered before starting care.
For those with insurance limitations or unable to afford chiropractic care, some alternative approaches include:
If you need regular chiropractic treatment, here are ways to reduce costs:
Ask about package deals. Many chiropractors offer discounts for multiple prepaid visits.
Use online coupons. Sites like Groupon often have chiropractic deals.
Inquire about payment plans. Some chiropractors work with patients on custom payment schedules.
Visiting a chiropractor for common back and neck problems is often much cheaper than conventional medical treatments. Ensure you understand the costs for examinations, chiropractic adjustments, and other services before starting care. With insurance limitations, explore discounted packages or payment plans to make chiropractic care more affordable.
