Is IV Therapy Covered by Insurance?

IV therapy has become increasingly popular over the last decade. More people are turning to IV drips for energy boosts, skin replenishment, and eliminating hangover symptoms. But is IV therapy covered by insurance? Keep reading to find out.

Insurance coverage for IV therapy varies depending on the healthcare provider and the environment in which it is being administered. Some prefer not to work with insurance companies for various reasons. Other healthcare providers allow patients to choose their coverage options.

Patients need to know about insurance coverage policies to ensure they receive the necessary care.

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Is IV Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Many people love the idea of getting IV therapy that quickly replenishes their bodies and gets them back on their feet. But is IV therapy covered by insurance, and can they rely on this payment method?

Coverage for intravenous therapy under your insurance depends on the company and the treatment plan tailored to your health condition. Before getting IV therapy, it’s best to consult your insurance provider and discuss whether they have IV treatment coverage options.

Although IV therapy is known for being beneficial, many patients still wonder is IV therapy FSA eligible. Some healthcare providers accept Flexible Spending Accounts if the patients have one. However, this is not the case for all organizations offering vitamin infusions.

Also, many patients want to invest in their health by using a Health Savings Account. But is IV therapy covered by HSA? Similarly to FSA, it is supported by some healthcare providers and rejected by others.

The most common reason why healthcare providers avoid working with insurance companies is unpredictability. Claim processing can take up to 90 days or several months and still be rejected. This leads to the healthcare provider covering unnecessary costs on top of their operational expenses.

Also, some health insurance providers refuse to cover IV therapy because they consider it a preventative treatment in some cases. Thus, the simplest way of getting a vitamin infusion may be to customize it on your own and pay out of your pocket instead of worrying about insurance coverage.

Types of Health Insurance Plans Covering IV Therapy

If you're considering IV therapy Queen Creek AZ, you might want to know whether insurance will cover your expenses or require a reimbursement. Here are some insurance plans that will likely cover IV treatments, of which The Drip IV Infusion doesn’t play a part:

PPO plans

PPO plan is an insurance plan that will most likely cover IV treatments, is flexible, and offers higher premiums. PPO plans are known for allowing patients to see any healthcare provider they choose without a referral.

Coverage for IV therapy with PPO plans may be available both in-network and out-of-network, but costs can differ. PPOs involve networks that are made up of contracted medical professionals and health insurance companies. 

Healthcare facilities and practitioners, known as preferred providers, offer services to the insurer's plan policyholders at reduced rates. Plan participants receive the maximum PPO benefit when they visit in-network healthcare professionals and are also offered coverage when they see out-of-network providers.

HMO plans

Compared to PPO plans, you may need a referral before visiting any healthcare provider to get an HMO plan. They are less flexible with lower premiums and are provided by in-network healthcare providers only. Also, they require specific policies to determine whether a patient receives insurance coverage.

Medicare

This insurance plan is tailored to people with disabilities and older adults. Medicare may partially cover IV therapy in case of chemotherapy or antibiotic needs. But it won’t cover IV shots patients get preventatively or to boost their general wellness.

Why Should You Avoid Insurance With Mobile IV Services

Dealing with insurance providers when it comes to IV treatment may be beneficial for some patients. However, others might find the process of receiving insurance for IV therapy too time-consuming, and they choose to pay for it themselves.

Thus, let’s see how you can avoid the hassle of insurance coverage and get the same benefits from IV therapy on your own:

Why Should You Avoid Insurance With Mobile IV Services

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More freedom

The best mobile IV providers offer patients the possibility to customize their own drips and include the ingredients they think are necessary for their bodies. Thus, they can avoid the restrictions and have more freedom regarding their treatment plan if they pay out-of-pocket.

Some insurance companies require patients to pay extra fees. But, this is not the case with an IV provider that works directly with the consumer. Mobile IV therapy comes to your location quickly and doesn’t charge for that service.

When consumers are privately working with healthcare providers, they avoid limiting themselves by a third party on how many therapy sessions they will get depending on the insurance coverage plan. Instead, they can get IV drips as often as they want based on their personal needs without worrying about going over insurance companies' yearly budget allowance restrictions.

Faster process

Insurance providers often require patients to fill out paperwork, which can be time-consuming. Also, reviewing the numerous regulations and determining what part of the treatment will be covered by the insurance company often takes time and patience.

But, using mobile IV therapy services offers a faster process. They ensure the procedure is done as quickly as possible to help you prioritize your health. Most IV healthcare providers will accept cards and cash, and you can make payments fast without thinking about it too much.

Affordable prices

Many people think that IV therapy is extremely pricey. However, the price of IV drips can be kept lower if the provider works directly with the consumer to customize the infusions.

Believe it or not, a denied claim by an insurance company also costs money. Thus, you will wait for a month or two, hoping for a positive outcome, and then get hit with administrative costs by insurers. By the time you get IV therapy, you might forget about its true value and impact on your health.

Should You Get IV Therapy?

Many people avoid getting IV drips administered at a hospital and dealing with insurance plans because the trend of using mobile services is more convenient. Healthcare providers allow patients to choose their custom drips and request them at their home or office. But is it the right choice for you?

Positive side

IV therapy might be beneficial for patients who experience severe dehydration, nutrient deficiency, or infections. 

In fact, many celebrities have made IV therapy increasingly popular. They mainly use it for skin replenishment and energy boost. Some even get IV drips so that it may help them treat jet lag, remove toxins from their bodies, eliminate the signs of aging, and help their body recover quicker from intense workouts.

If you decide to go for IV therapy instead of visiting a hospital, ensure you get the treatment in a safe environment. Also, inform yourself about nurses' administering practices, the equipment's cleanliness, and whether they monitor the patient after IV therapy (any reputable IV company will do these practices).

After all, you are allowing someone to place a needle in your arm. Thus, you must be careful of the IV service provider you choose to prevent any possible side effects from occurring. Regardless of whether the treatment is covered by insurance or not, safety should always be your priority.

Positive side

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Negative side

Doctors won’t always recommend IV therapy because it is administered as a supplemental treatment.

They believe severely sick and elderly people should get the care they need primarily in a medical facility. However, some people struggle with drinking enough fluids because their digestive system cannot handle it due to illness. 

Thus, they may get dehydrated and turn to IV therapy because it restores the necessary fluids and nutrients in their bodies quickly.

They also advise people with heart diseases and kidney problems to stay away from IV drips because they may pose a risk to their health condition. Too much fluid administered and absorbed fast might be harmful to these people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IV therapy worth the money?

If an insurance provider agrees to cover the expenses of IV therapy, the final cost is unpredictable due to a doctor prescribing it based on the needs of the patient. However, using a mobile healthcare provider may save you from additional wait times and doctor visits, and you may feel the benefits of IV treatments for a whole week after receiving them.

How much does IV therapy cost?

The price of IV therapy can vary depending on the provider, location, and insurance coverage. Usually, users who decide to pay for the service themselves spend between $195 and $400 per IV session. But if you choose to add more ingredients, the price can go up.

How often should you get IV therapy?

Some people regularly get IV therapy depending on their current health condition and the medical plan recommended by a doctor. But people who get IV therapy as a preventative measure or for a quick wellness boost generally request IV drips every few weeks.

Conclusion

Insurance may cover some medical expenses that are prescribed directly from a doctor in a medical setting. But is IV therapy covered by insurance? Not in all cases. Patients often get IV hydration therapy preventatively if they know they will need an energy or overall wellness boost. For most mobile IV services, the cost is out of pocket.

Many companies offer IV drips for reasonable prices. Thus, you don’t need insurance coverage to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.  If you’re looking to schedule a mobile IV at your home or work place, The Drip IV Infusion is ready to take care of you.  

Brandon Lang

Brandon is the co-owner of The Drip IV Infusion and is a respected Clinical Compliance Management Professional, known for leadership in patient care and quality assurance. He advocates for technology adoption and ensures cost-effective resource allocation.

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