“How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance?” is a question that the Sunrise Chiropractic team hears regularly. The short answer is that it’s an average of $125 but could vary between $60 and $200. Total costs will depend on your area, the practice, and the treatment.
To help you better understand the complexities of answering such a question, the Sunrise Chiropractic team compiled this guide.
What if You Need Chiropractic Care and Don’t Have Insurance?
Before searching for “chiropractor cost without insurance near me,” contact a couple of practices in the area. You will need to ask how much the chiropractor costs out of pocket. However, it’s worth speaking to someone at the clinic and seeing what they suggest because you could:
- Save money by committing to a treatment contract
- Reduce the overall expense by paying cash upfront
- Opt for more straightforward adjustments or shorter treatment sessions
- Find out if the practice offers a payment plan
So, How Much Is a Chiropractor Without Insurance?
The best person to ask is your chiropractor, as the overall charge will depend on your customized treatment plan and how severe your condition is. After your initial evaluation, you should discuss the matter and see what timeline the chiropractor suggests.
There are several factors at play here, as explained below.
Your Condition
How severe your condition is will be the primary determining factor in answering, “How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance?” The simpler the issue, the less your overall cost will be, making it crucial to visit your chiropractor as soon as possible.
In the early stages of pain, you may only need a simple adjustment and massage that takes just one visit. However, for a more serious condition, you may require follow-up visits. For example, if you carry too much muscle tension in your back for the doctor to adjust the vertebrae effectively, you may need a second or third treatment.
Related: How Long Does It Take For A Chiropractic Adjustment To Work?
Your Treatment Options
The cost of a chiropractor without insurance will also depend on your treatment options and how labor-intensive it is for the doctor. For example, a first treatment may require several manual adjustments and take longer than a follow-up treatment where the doctor can also apply Electrical Muscle Stimulation.
There are several treatment options, and this can influence the overall chiropractor cost without insurance. For example:
- A general examination and adjustment should cost in the region of $100 to $150 per session.
- Spinal decompression is a range of treatments that typically run for several weeks. At between $50 and $250 a session, these costs can add up quickly, which is why some patients opt for financing.
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation is typically less expensive and ranges from $20 to $180 per session. However, the average cost is between $30 and $60.
- Ultrasound therapy is a way of boosting healing by reducing inflammation and stimulating circulation. This relatively straightforward process should cost between $15 and $35 per treatment, with a qualified medical assistant administering it.
- Cold laser therapy is a versatile, more modern treatment option. How new the laser is will determine the cost per treatment, but you will generally pay at least $50 per session for the most basic therapy. The more complex treatments might run you hundreds of dollars each.
- The doctor could opt for basic massage therapy at an average cost of around $50 per session.
Again, your doctor is the best person to ask, “How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance?”
Whether You Can Pay Cash or Not
Like any other doctor, having patients pay upfront is something that chiropractors encourage. Many would rather accept cash than go through the trouble of claiming from an insurer, so they may offer better rates for patients who pay cash.
The Type of Financing Options Available
If you opt for a long-term treatment plan and use financing to repay it, your costs will depend on the terms of that agreement. It’s worth asking if there is an interest-free term for repaying the plan. Typically this would mean paying in full within three to six months, depending on the practice.
Options the Chiropractor Offers at a Different Locations
This one depends on the time the doctor has available and usually applies to a cause they believe in or a community they serve. Some doctors may offer pro bono treatments in low-income areas or at a local VA facility in the area. The downside is that it can take some time to get an appointment, and scheduling is not as flexible.
Do You Need to Worry About the Costs Without Insurance?
Many people ask, “How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance?” because they worry that they cannot afford it. However, it’s not a good idea to put off looking for treatment since it may cost less than you think. Why? There are various reasons, including:
- You do not require a referral, as chiropractors can order the necessary diagnostic tests or have diagnostic equipment at the practice
- Different treatments vary the cost–your chiropractor can tailor your plan with your budget in mind
- Some supplemental policies still cover the treatments even if your primary health insurance lapses
- Most chiropractic teams look for ways to assist their patients, so they may be able to offer solutions you might not know about
- Timely visits can prevent an issue from progressing too far if you’re still in the early stages
- When you think about the cost of over-the-counter pain medication and the cost of missing work, chiropractic treatments may be more cost-effective
How to Find a Good “No Insurance” Chiropractor
Some people must ask, “How much is a chiropractor without insurance?” because they have a tight budget. For these people, finding someone who offers them value for the money and who knows what they are doing is critical. The cheapest option in the area may seem appealing but may be little more than a waste of time and money if the doctor doesn’t know what they are doing.
To get the best out of your chiropractic care, vet your potential practice carefully and find answers to questions like:
- How much experience does the doctor have? While younger doctors can be talented, they do not all have the expertise necessary to deal with all issues yet. Find a chiropractor who has built a good practice already.
- What range of treatments do they offer? The more therapies they can provide, the more they can customize your treatment plan to reduce your overall cost.
- What do the patient reviews say? Look at the doctor’s site and independent third-party sites to get a better idea of the type of results you might expect. Few practices will get 100% glowing reviews all the time, but the good should outweigh the bad.
- How friendly and welcoming is the staff? Start interviewing the team and evaluate the practice before scheduling an appointment. You could even visit the office to see how clean it looks for further confirmation.
- Ask them, “How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance?” and see what they say. Are they transparent in their costs for treatments? No one can give you a definitive answer without a consultation, but they should be willing to provide you with a rough idea.
Finding a good practitioner is not about finding the cheapest option but finding someone trustworthy and empathetic. A chiropractor with experience who cares about their patients is more likely to work with you to find payment options that make sense for your situation.
Finding Chiropractic Care in Citrus Heights, CA
Would you like a hack for finding the best answer to “How much does a chiropractor cost without insurance?” It’s simple, contact Sunrise Chiropractic, your caring professionals in Citrus Heights, CA.
Serving Citrus Heights and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, Dr. Doug Loehrer, D.C. will work with you to find the most cost-effective solution for your pain. Contact the practice at (916) 727-6400 to schedule your appointment today.
