Does Insurance Cover Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is an innovative treatment used to relieve pain and promote healing for various musculoskeletal conditions. While coverage for shockwave therapy may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan, many policies offer partial coverage for medically necessary treatments. At Specialty Medical Center, our professional team offers this effective treatment as part of our comprehensive pain management services. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights MI and Dearborn MI.


Table of Contents:
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?
What factors determine if shockwave therapy is covered by insurance?
How can I find out if my insurance covers shockwave therapy?
Can I resume normal activities after shockwave therapy?
At Specialty Medical Center, we understand that navigating insurance coverage for innovative treatments like shockwave therapy can sometimes be challenging. Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is frequently utilized by our medical professionals to effectively treat orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis and other chronic disorders.
Insurance coverage for shockwave therapy can vary significantly depending on factors like your insurance plan, the medical condition being treated, and whether the treatment is deemed medically necessary. While shockwave therapy is gaining recognition for its therapeutic benefits, some insurance providers may still classify it as experimental or investigational, potentially limiting or denying coverage.
To understand your coverage, it’s best to reach out to your insurance provider directly to confirm their stance on shockwave therapy. Insurers may request documentation from your healthcare provider to support the medical necessity of the treatment, along with evidence that more traditional treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, have been attempted or considered.
Even if your insurance plan covers shockwave therapy, there may still be out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays, deductibles, or partial payments. It’s important to clarify these details with your provider before starting treatment to ensure you are prepared for any potential financial responsibility.
At Specialty Medical Center, we encourage you to speak with our healthcare specialists and your insurance provider to determine your coverage eligibility, documentation needs before starting shockwave therapy. Our team is committed to providing transparency, guidance, and support throughout your treatment journey.
At Specialty Medical Center, we understand that insurance coverage for shockwave therapy treatments can vary based on several important factors. The coverage of shockwave therapy by insurance typically depends on whether it is deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider. Insurers usually require a diagnosis of a specific condition, such as plantar fasciitis, for which shockwave therapy is considered an appropriate treatment. Your doctor must provide sufficient documentation and demonstrate that other treatment options have been exhausted or are ineffective, establishing the therapy’s medical necessity.
Another factor influencing coverage is the specific insurance plan and its policies regarding alternative therapies or treatments not classified as standard procedures. Some insurance plans may cover shockwave therapy under their physical therapy or pain management benefits, while others may exclude it. It is essential to verify coverage with your insurance provider in advance to understand the details, including any co-pays or deductibles that might apply.
Our dedicated medical and administrative professionals are committed to supporting patients through every step of their treatment journey, including navigating insurance coverage issues. We provide personalized guidance and assistance with the insurance coverage and approval processes.
To find out if your insurance covers shockwave therapy, start by contacting your insurance provider directly. You can call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask if shockwave therapy is included in your policy’s coverage. Be sure to have the details of the treatment and any relevant codes ready to help them provide accurate information.
Additionally, you can inquire with the healthcare provider or clinic offering shockwave therapy. They often have experience working with various insurance companies and can help you verify if your specific plan covers the treatment. It’s a good idea to request a pre-authorization or written confirmation if necessary to avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Our experienced team regularly works with insurance companies to help you navigate the insurance verification process. We are here to answer any questions you may have and clarify expected coverage for shockwave therapy.
At Specialty Medical Center, we understand that patients often have questions regarding recovery and resuming daily activities following shockwave therapy. Generally, you can resume many normal activities almost immediately after shockwave therapy. It’s a non-invasive procedure, and unlike surgery, there’s typically no significant downtime. Many people can return to work and perform light daily tasks right away. However, it’s common to experience some mild soreness, redness, or swelling in the treated area for 24-48 hours, which is a normal part of the healing process.
While light activities are usually fine, it’s crucial to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and high-impact activities for at least 24-48 hours, and sometimes up to 72 hours, depending on the treated area and your response. Your healthcare provider will provide specific guidance tailored to your condition. It’s also generally advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications as they might interfere with the healing process initiated by the shockwave therapy. Following these post-treatment instructions is vital for optimizing the benefits and ensuring a smooth recovery.
At Specialty Medical Center, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way on your journey to improved health and wellness. We offer shockwave therapy and other personalized treatments to help manage and reduce chronic pain. Contact us today or schedule a consultation and start your path to long-lasting relief and a better quality of life. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights MI and Dearborn MI. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Ablations
▸ Epidurals
▸ Facet Blocks
▸ Steroid Injections
▸ Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
▸ Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
▸ Neurosurgery
▸ Spinal Disc Herniations
▸ Sacroiliac Joint Pain
▸ Nerve Pain Stimulation
▸ Orthopedics

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Ablations
▸ Epidurals
▸ Facet Blocks
▸ Steroid Injections
▸ Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
▸ Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
▸ Neurosurgery
▸ Spinal Disc Herniations
▸ Sacroiliac Joint Pain
▸ Nerve Pain Stimulation
▸ Orthopedics
▸ Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)
▸ Osteoarthritis
▸ Foot and Ankle
▸ Non-Union Fractures
▸ Physical Therapy
▸ Shockwave Therapy
▸ Laser Therapy
▸ Chronic Pain
▸ Spine
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Shoulder Arthritis
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Hand and Wrist Pain
▸ Shoulder Pain
▸ Neck Pain
▸ Back Pain
▸ Elbow Pain
▸ Sciatica
▸ Fibromyalgia
▸ Musculoskeletal Pain
▸ Auto Accident Injuries
▸ Work Injuries