Massage therapy
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare typically does not provide comprehensive coverage for massage therapy as a standalone treatment. However, massage may be covered when it is part of a medically necessary rehabilitation or treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Massage therapy is generally not a standalone Medicare-covered service
- May be covered if prescribed as part of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Must be deemed medically necessary by a healthcare professional
- Coverage varies between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
- Requires documentation of medical necessity from a physician
- Medicare beneficiaries with a specific medical condition
- Patients with physician referral
- Treatments integrated into physical therapy or rehabilitation programs
- No standard massage therapy benefit under Medicare Part B
- Potential partial coverage if part of physical therapy treatment
- Patients typically responsible for full cost of elective massage services
- Not covered as a preventive or wellness service
- Must be prescribed by a physician
- Limited to medically necessary treatments
- Requires documentation of medical purpose
- Not intended for relaxation or stress relief
- Consult with your primary care physician about medical necessity
- Get a detailed prescription documenting medical need
- Check with your specific Medicare plan for individual coverage details
- Request a predetermination of coverage from Medicare
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicare massage therapymedical massage coverageMedicare physical therapyMedicare alternative treatmentsMedicare rehabilitation services
Related Coverage Topics
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