Why I Choose Not to Accept Insurance as a Healthcare Provider

As a dedicated healthcare provider, my primary goal is to offer the best possible care to my patients, aiding them in their journey to improved health and well-being.  After two decades in the health and wellness industry and 13 years as a licensed provider, I have made the deliberate decision not to accept insurance for my services.  I want to share the reasons behind my choice and shed light on the challenges and limitations of the insurance system.

Cost Considerations:

One of the most significant factors influencing my decision is the cost disparity between insurance-based payments and cash prices. While insurance might seem like a convenient option for patients, it often comes with higher costs in the long run. Insurance companies' complex billing procedures and administrative overhead can lead to increased expenses for both providers and patients. In fact, it is very difficult to find fee schedules for specific services from insurance providers to even know how they reimburse.  By forgoing insurance and offering transparent cash prices, I can provide more affordable and accessible care to those who seek my services.

Limitations of Insurance Policies:

As a healthcare provider, I am passionate about tailoring treatment plans that best suit my patients' individual needs. However, accepting insurance can be limiting, as it often requires adherence to specific coding habits and protocols. These rigid guidelines might not always align with the personalized care I aim to provide. By choosing not to participate in insurance networks, I can dedicate more time and attention to understanding my patients' unique conditions and developing tailored treatment approaches.

Coverage Gaps:

While insurance can be beneficial for certain healthcare needs (i.e. surgery or pharmaceuticals), this is not the case for manual therapies that aid in improving musculoskeletal function and pain syndromes that promote a healthy lifestyle. Complicated insurance policies are notoriously written in complex jargon to allow insurance companies to deny certain services leaving the total cost to the patient. By operating outside the constraints of insurance, I can offer a broader range of treatment options, ensuring that my patients receive the comprehensive, individualized care they deserve without any risk of denial.

Over the years, I have encountered numerous instances where patients struggled to navigate the complexities of insurance, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment, and frustration. Witnessing these challenges firsthand solidified my belief in the value of a direct, transparent approach to healthcare. My decision to forego insurance participation allows me to prioritize my patients' well-being and optimize their care without bureaucratic hurdles.  I am able to provide elite-level care at a lower cost to the patient, with less of a hassle.

While the choice not to accept insurance might seem unconventional, it is rooted in my commitment to providing the highest standard of care to my patients. By offering transparent cash prices, avoiding coding constraints, and expanding the range of available treatments, I can empower my patients to take control of their health journey. As a healthcare provider, I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that my patients receive the best care possible, and opting out of insurance participation enables me to fulfill that duty more effectively.