Becoming A Network Provider

by Juanita
(San Antonio)

I have been getting a lot of e-mails asking how massage therapists can become network providers so they can get insurance payments from their clients' health insurance. Here is a compilation of some of my answers for your benefit:

There are so many insurance companies and so many different plans and networks in each of those insurance companies. Some specifically exclude massage therapy from coverage and there are many others that cover it.

What you should do is contact ppo's (preferred provider organizations) and other health networks as you come across them. Call or write to them and tell them that you would like to apply to be a part of their network of providers. They will send you the appropriate forms and say yes or no to you. Then the
insurance companies they are contracted with will cover you if an insured's particular plan allows massage therapy coverage.

You can find health networks by doing a google search for health networks or ppo's. Or you can contact some physicians and/or physical therapists and chiropractors in your area who you get referrals from and ask them what networks they belong to and then apply to them.