Does Medicare Cover Infrared Therapy?

Does Medicare Cover Infrared Therapy

Infrared therapy, or red light therapy, has been used to treat and improve skin issues. However, this is not the only treatment for skin issues, and of course, it does not work like magic.

It is best to consult your doctor or a professional before undergoing red light therapy. A common question many people have is, “does Medicare cover Infrared Therapy?” In this article, we answer the question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of Infrared Therapy, as well as other helpful info.

Does Medicare Cover Infrared Therapy?

The short answer is no. In most cases, Medicare will not cover the cost of red light therapy. That said, there may be some situations where you can get these costs covered. Below we’ll take a closer look at this to see when you might be able to get Medicare to pay for your red light therapy.

Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not provide coverage for infrared therapy. The most recent determination is that infrared therapy is not considered “reasonable and necessary” under the Social Security Act.

This is the case even though this therapy treats ailments such as diabetic and non-diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy, skin ulcers, wounds, and the pain that these ailments bring,

Medicare will still not provide coverage for red light therapy. Though that may change in the future is wider FDA approval is given to this treatment.

How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost?

The cost of a red light therapy session may vary depending on where you live. A single 30-minute session may cost between $25 to $85. However, there are also red light therapies that are more expensive than that.

Red light therapy kits you can use at home may cost from $25 to $250. The price of a single kit may differ depending on the quality of the product.

What Is Infrared Therapy?

Infrared therapy, or red light therapy, is the process applying infrared wavelengths to the body. It is commonly used to solve skin issues and improve a person’s skin and overall appearance. Many experts believe that it can help in treating scarring, wrinkling, aging spots.

One of the most positive benefits of red light therapy is it may help cells to respond better to damage and regenerate themselves. Although there are many studies about the medical benefits of red light therapy, there is no conclusive evidence yet on how beneficial it may be. Further clinical studies are still needed.

What Are The Effects Of Red Light Therapy To The Skin?

Red light therapy is known for its skin-improving effects. Red light therapy can increase fibroblasts production, and as a result, it can increase collagen production.

Having an increase in collagen can help the skin become more elastic. An increase in the production of fibroblast can also help produce tissue fibers.

More medical benefits of red light therapy include an increase in circulation between blood and tissue cells. It also protects cells from damage and increases their mRNA to help them stimulate. Red light therapy also helps in accelerating wound healing.

Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.