For example, a health insurance company will reimburse several thousand dollars for a ten minute ophthalmology procedure which uses advanced computer equipment and little expenditure of personal resources, but deny reimbursement for an integrative medicine evaluation and treatment where a patient spends more than one hour with a doctor for just a few hundred dollars. That one appointment can result in the prevention of further progression of the disease and can even lead to regression to a healthier state.

Likewise, insurance companies will pay for a total knee replacement for many thousands of dollars but not pay for a much less costly National Institute of Health approved acupuncture treatment for pain and mobility affecting not just that individual knee, but the whole body’s response to degenerative arthritis. It just doesn’t make dollar “cents”.

Yes, we support health insurance that recognizes the benefits of preventative complementary medicine, but at this point in time, insurance companies typically do not participate in many complementary practices.

The value of feeling well again
Is living a pain-free and healthy life worth what you would spend on a few nights at a nice hotel? Or how about all the money you pay-out in co-pays to doctors and the pharmacy? Go back and add up how much you’ve been spending. You’ll be surprised.

Then ask yourself if the treatment plan is working. Are you connecting with your doctor or is he or she rushing you through another appointment? Here at the Center, we listen first, set goals, and together work to achieve your optimum health.

We’re here for you. Let us help.

Can I submit my bill for reimbursement?
Yes, we encourage you to do so. Often insurance companies will reimburse a portion of your claim. At the present time, our office will collect the fee and supply you with the claim form including our practitioner’s information and codes necessary for reimbursement. Then the insurance can reimburse you directly.

Our office manager, will be more than happy to give you completed health claim forms with the Center’s practitioner’s evaluation and procedure codes to submit to your insurance company. The greatest number of requests for reimbursements come from patients of complementary medicine; your demand for this kind of health care will steer insurance companies to make the change, just the way it did for chiropractic care not long ago.

Will my employer’s flexible medical spending account pay for the Center’s services and prescribed supplements?
Yes. Most if not all of our services should be covered under these plans. You will need to check the details of your individual employer’s coverage. Optimizing your health and well-being is a sensible way to spend your pre-tax dollars.

It’s just a matter of time:
Presently, insurance companies have not yet fully embraced the philosophy that paying for preventative care increases a person’s health and longevity while reducing the overall health care costs for the individual, the insurance company and society as a whole.

Founder and director of the Integrative Healing Center and Spa, Kristine Blanche, RPA-C says: “It’s just a matter of time that insurance will appreciate the value of the changing face of medicine and the preventative benefits of the integrative model of health care.”