More and more people are using alternative medical treatments these days. Some try alternative medical treatments for the novelty of the idea while others seek them in their frustration with conventional medicine.
Many people are learning of the numerous benefits of alternative medicine and are satisfied with the results. You can use alternative medical treatments either as a complement to your present conventional medical care or as a real “alternative” or replacement of your old treatments.
The costs of alternative medical treatments vary according to the number of treatments you need which in turn depends on how sever your condition is. Before undergoing any of these alternative medical procedures, you need to be clear on the financial aspect. Definitely, you have to be sure the cost of these alternative medical treatments would fall within your budget or if you can claim reimbursement for these expenses. You may want to clarify the the following issues with your practitioner before confirming any appointment with them:
How to Pay for the Alternative Medical Treatments
Despite the growing popularity of using alternative medical treatments, very few insurance companies and managed health care organizations include them in their health plans. Alternative medical treatments are not really that expensive. Most people availing of these therapies shoulder the expenses personally. It is the accumulated costs of repeat sessions that make the whole therapy expensive.
Know If Your Health Plan Covers Alternative Medical Treatments
Even if you are able to afford to pay for alternative medical treatments on your own, it is critical to know if your health plan includes these types of procedures. Because if they are covered, you would want to fully avail all the benefits you are entitled to. Confirming if your insurance company covers alternative medical treatments is just a phone call away. Be specific when you talk to them; ask about the particular treatments you are interested in and how alternative medical treatments can be integrated in your existing plan.
Should these alternative medical treatments be covered by your insurance, check if they have a set limit on the number of sessions you may go to. Inquire also about the other pertinent rules, conditions, restrictions and exclusions that may apply. Be particular and get the details of rules like:
– you’re only covered if the treatment is deemed “medically necessary” according to their terms;
– limitations on the number of treatment sessions allowed; and
– special requirements in order for you to be covered such as pre-approval, referral from your primary care provider, specific practitioner in their network, etc.
These three are the most common rules appearing in most health plans that cover alternative medicine. With the growing consumer demand for alternative health care, it won’t be long for them to become a standard clause in all insurance packages.
Ask Your Practitioner
Be sure to ask your practitioner beforehand if he would accept your health insurance. If not, then find out what payment forms are accepted: in cash, check or credit card. This is important in case your bill comes out big.
Inquire about any additional costs like diet supplements, medications, special devices, etc. Before committing to a long term therapy, check if it is possible for you to avail of the treatment on a trial basis. This will save you unnecessary expense if you decide later that you are not comfortable with the treatment. Many practitioners are more than willing to let you try the treatment for free not only because of competition but more because of their service orientation. Customer satisfaction is highly valued in the practice of alternative medicine.
The time will come when insurance companies and HMOs will be more flexible in their coverage of alternative medical treatments. Meanwhile, you have to take it upon yourself to find out more about the extent of your health plan and maximize your benefits to the fullest.
Alternative medical treatments cost much less than conventional medicine and they need not weigh you down. You only have to do your homework with respect to your coverage and payment options. Do explore the different ways for you to avail of alternative medical treatments; you will be glad you did.
