Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system by a Chiropractor, including:

• back pain
• neck pain
• headache (including migraine).
• dysfunction of the feet and hands
• poor mobility
• poor posture
• osteoarthritis
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A Chiropractor may treat you using manipulation, massage or ergonomic advice.

Is Chiropractic a regulated profession in Australia? 

Yes. In Australia, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Chiropractic Board of Australia register and regulate Chiropractors.

Does private health insurance cover Chiropractic?

If private health insurance covers Chiropractic, it falls under Extras Cover.

Check with your insurer that it covers Chiropractic.

If so, check whether Chiropractic is subject to:

• a waiting period before you can make a claim
• per claim limits
• annual limits.

If I have Extras Cover that includes Chiropractic, will I be covered if I see any Chiropractor?

No. To be covered, your Chiropractor must be a member of an Australian peak body or professional organisation. They must also have approval to be registered under the state and territory laws where they operate.

In addition, your health insurer can decide whether or not to cover treatments from a particular provider.

Before seeking treatment, always check with your health insurer that you are covered.

Does Medicare cover Chiropractic?

Yes. Medicare covers Chiropractic treatments but only in certain situations, including: 

You:

• have a chronic condition and complex care needs, or
• live in an aged care facility, or
• are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent

and:

• your GP recommends Chiropractic services
• the consultation lasts at least 20 minutes
• you receive no more than 5 services in a calendar year.

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