Are you wondering what insurance companies cover PRP therapy? Well, to start, let us have a little look at the background of PRP (Platelet-rich plasma). Honestly, this is a pretty controversial treatment. Yet, it is slowly becoming increasingly popular in the fields; dermatology and science.
At the moment, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared the use of PRP only for bone graft treatments. But, doctors use this treatment to treat a variety of other issues. These are some of the other reasons for which the use of PRP therapy gets done:
- Promote hair growth
- Aid in the muscle healing process
- Treat the symptoms of Arthritis
Here we will be discussing all the necessary information you need to know regarding this topic. We’ll also answer your question regarding insurance companies that cover PRP therapy in a way that you will understand. So, please read this article until the end to find out everything you need to know.
What Is PRP Therapy?
This therapy treatment requires the doctor to prepare a concentration of platelets using the patient’s blood. Afterward, its injected back into the patient to quicken the healing of a specific part of the body.
What Is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)?
Out of the four main components of our blood, plasma and platelets are the ones that we will discuss currently. Now that’s because PRP platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements. First is plasma which is the liquid portion of our blood. Second is platelets which are pieces of large cells that aid in forming blood clots to slow down or stop bleeding.
It’s commonly known that platelets play a vital role; when it comes to healing our body. However, apart from that, they serve another significant function. They are growth reservoirs, and that means they; hold the ability to do the following:
- Stimulate tissue regeneration
- Trigger cell reproduction
Essentially, platelet-rich plasma is our blood but with a higher percentage of platelets in it to accelerate healing.
How Is A PRP Injection Made?
The patient’s blood sample gets collected by the clinician. It is then sealed in a container and placed in a device; called the centrifuge. This device then spins at a very high speed. Resultantly the components of blood are separated from the platelets. After being separated, the platelets get gathered with the plasma; this is called the PRP injection.
How is the injection used?
When the injection is ready, the doctor jabs it onto the patient’s targeted area, for instance, a damaged muscle. Depending on the situation, sometimes an ultrasound gets used while injecting to guide the injection.
Uses Of The PRP Treatment
PRP injections get used for a variety of reasons. The reason can be severe, for instance, to get rid of musculoskeletal pain. Or it can be simple, like getting it to stimulate some hair growth. Listed below are some of the common reasons why the PRP treatment gets done:
#1. To treat a fractured bone
The high quantity of plasma in the PRP injection; aids in regenerating the bone. Thus, resulting in a quick recovery.
#2. Treating osteoarthritis
Studies show that PRP injections can help treat osteoarthritis pain. Because with their help, the joints adjust, and this results in the inflammation getting reduced.
#3. Healing damaged tissues
Platelets hold the ability to heal damaged tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
How Costly Is The PRP Treatment?
The cost of this treatment might vary due to multiple reasons. But as for now, the price of a single PRP injection is anywhere between $800 to $2000. Like we mentioned before, the cost of this treatment varies depending on some stuff. For example:
- The amount of experience and certification that your PRP specialist owns. The body area that is being treated.
- The quality of the PRP system used for the process.
Is The Therapy Covered By Insurance Companies?
Is therapy covered by health insurance? Knowing so much about this treatment must’ve caused this thought to pop up in your mind; what insurance companies cover PRP therapy? Well, most of the time, the PRP treatment won’t be covered by insurance. This is because the insurance companies consider this treatment to be something extra. However, there are some insurance companies that cover this treatment for you under certain conditions and requirements. These are the following:
#1. Wellcare
Wellcare health insurance customers can get their PRP covered if they sign up for a study as well.
#2. Tricare
This company covers for their policyholders’ PRP treatment only under a certain condition. And, that is if the patient is suffering from a tennis elbow or chronic knee osteoarthritis.
#3. Medicare
Medicare only covers the PRP treatment for its patients who are dealing with chronic non-healing diabetes, pressure, and venous wounds. The patients are also required to be enrolled in a clinical research study.
How Can You Get It Covered?
Try convincing your insurance company that this is not an experimental treatment. Use studies and certified articles to support your statement. Try reaching out to a professional who has more knowledge on this matter. This way you’ll be able to learn some more facts to support your argument.
Conclusion
We hope this article was helpful in the terms of answering all your questions. Now you have a clear idea of what insurance companies cover PRP therapy. Know what is modified life insurance and who is the custodian of an insurance policy for more related articles!
Good article, I appreciate the names of insurance companies that
cover PRP.