Does Alberta Health Cover Chiropractic?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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On March 31, 2020, changes announced by the Alberta Government went into effect. After this date,

diagnostic imaging exams ordered by chiropractors and physiotherapists are no longer be covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

.

What does your Alberta Health Care card cover?

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides eligible Alberta residents with full coverage for

medically necessary physician services, and some dental and oral surgical health services

. Your physician determines what insured services are considered medically necessary.

Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor in Alberta?


You do not need a referral to see a chiropractor in Alberta

. Once you are a patient in our office we may ask your permission to speak with another health care provider (medical doctor, physio, massage therapist, acupuncturist etc.) about your care.

Is therapy covered in Alberta?

When a psychologist practices in the community, however, their services are

typically not covered by public health insurance plans

. However, they are usually covered by an extended health insurance plan you may have through work.

How much does a chiropractor visit cost Alberta?

Chiropractic Services Fees
Consultation


No Charge
New Patient Assessment, Examination and Treatment $139 Re-examination $89 Subsequent Visit / Spinal Adjustments $65

How much does a chiropractor visit cost Canada?

The fee for a chiropractor in Canada can cost up to hundreds of dollars per visit (

$80-150

). There will be an initial chiropractor session fee which is typically more costly than subsequent visits. Several sources estimate the average visit ends up being $65.

Can chiropractors prescribe medication in Alberta?


Chiropractors do not prescribe medicine

or do surgery. They are able to order or perform diagnostic testing, including X-rays. To become qualified as a chiropractor in Canada, you must complete a graduate program of study, including clinical experience.

Are chiropractors free in Canada?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) stopped covering chiropractic visits from December 2004. This means if you want to visit a chiropractor,

you’ll have to pay out of pocket

. Most extended health care plans (EHCs) do cover chiropractic visits but you will have to check with your individual provider for clarity.

Do you need an xray before going to a chiropractor?


X-rays are not medically necessary for most chiropractic patients

. Specifically, an x-ray should not be performed for any of the following reasons: To identify problems with soft tissues (muscles, tendons, or ligaments) or within the spinal disc itself.

How much does Alberta pay for health care?

Alberta to spend estimated

$37B

on health in 2021

National spending on healthcare to top $300 billion, with our province clearing $37 billion.

How much does Alberta health care cost per month?

Health and dental coverage

starting from $76.10 per month

! All residents of Alberta must register themselves and their dependents with AHCIP in order to qualify for benefits. Generally speaking, any service that is deemed medically necessary is covered by AHCIP.

Does Alberta Health cover eye exams?


Alberta Health will pay for all eye examinations for patients ranging from age 18 and under, and seniors from age 65 and over, including routine comprehensive annual exams

. For people aged 19-64, routine comprehensive eye examinations are NOT covered under Alberta Health, but medically necessary examinations are.

How can I get free therapy in Alberta?

Alberta 24-Hour Mental Health Line


Call 1-877-303-2642 (toll free)

to speak with a mental health specialist, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is home care free in Alberta?


Yes, Alberta Health Services does provide free access to home care services, regardless of age, diagnosis or the length of time that support is required by the patient

. This is provided through the Alberta Health Services Continuing Care program to anyone with a valid health care card.

How much is therapy in Alberta?

The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta determines the Recommended Fee Schedule for Registered Psychologists in Alberta. Currently, the recommended fee for Individual Therapy or Couples/Family Therapy is

$200 for a 50-minute session

. Equinox Therapeutic’s standard rates range from $180 – $200 per 50-minute session.

Is chiropractor covered by insurance?


Chiropractic care is covered under most health insurance plans

. Some plans may have visit limits, dollar limits or referral requirements.

How much does a chiropractor cost to crack your back?

It varies widely and can range anywhere from

$30 to $300 a visit

. Chiropractic care is covered by many health insurance providers. Check with your health provider for specific information about your plan. Though some chiropractors don’t take health insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

How often should you see a chiropractor?

In most cases, you will experience some relief after

a week or two of regular visits

. If your pain does not subside, your chiropractor will encourage you to stick with it. They will ask you to come on a consistent basis a bit longer. In time, your pain will decrease and the frequency of your visits will reduce.

Are chiropractors covered in Canada?


Chiropractic care is covered extensively by third party payers

. These include employee benefit plans, the federal public service, worker’s compensation boards, the automobile insurance industry, extended healthcare benefits, the RCMP, Canadian Forces and Veteran’s Affairs Canada.

Does Nihb cover chiropractic?


Members can access one or all of these services – acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and physiotherapy – up to a combined maximum allowance of $4,800 per calendar years

. Preauthorization is not required. Prescription for acupuncture and massage therapy is required. A Provider Claim Form should be completed.

What is the difference between chiropractor and physiotherapist?

But the main difference between the two is that

a chiropractor traditionally uses manipulation of the spine and limbs, whereas a physiotherapists will more commonly use mobilisation techniques and rehabilitation exercises

.

How much does a chiropractor make in Alberta?

Salary Recap

The average pay for a Chiropractor is

$115,816 a year and $56 an hour

in Alberta, Canada. The average salary range for a Chiropractor is between $80,590 and $147,514. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Chiropractor.

Why do doctors not like chiropractors?

Critics are skeptical mainly due to the fact that

chiropractic care does not involve medications or any invasive surgeries

. Some have associated this practice with some side effects and fatal complications in some cases resulting in death or stroke.

Are chiropractors worth the money?

There are plenty of benefits to going to the chiropractor. The improvement in your quality of life is really a stand-out factor. It makes for a happier day-to-day, in a way surgery or other expensive medical treatments may not. However,

in chiropractic care, they are an excellent side effect.

How much does it cost to see a chiropractor?

A Range of Fees

In general, chiropractic services can cost anywhere from about $30 to several hundred dollars per appointment.

The average fee to see a chiropractor is approximately $65 per visit

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.