Reflexology: HSA Eligibility

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a massage therapy technique that concentrates on applying pressure on the feet, hands and ears that is used to alleviate stress and promote the patient's positive health and well-being. The underlying philosophy behind reflexology is that these parts of the body correspond to organs and other systems in the body, and applying pressure to these areas can benefit the person's health in the long run. While reflexologists claim that the practice can be effective in treating major conditions like asthma, diabetes and cancer, there is very little scientific evidence to support these claims (Mayo Clinic).

What happens during a reflexology visit?

If a patient opts to pursue reflexology treatments, during the first appointment a reflexologist will go over the patient's recent health history, which is an important step to ensure that the practice will be the best choice of therapy for the patient's needs. Most reflexologists will provide a brief overview of how the practice works and what happens during each session, which can give patients the opportunity to decide if they would like to continue with further treatments.

Depending on the medical condition that is being treated, a reflexologist will work on the feet, hands and ears, often while the patient is laying down in a comfortable position. In most cases, a reflexology treatment will last between 30-60 minutes, and patients can even sleep during these sessions while still receiving the benefits of the treatment. Reflexologists will utilize many different massage therapy techniques during these sessions and during future treatments to achieve the desired results of the patient (International Institute of Reflexology).

How do I obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for reflexology?

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for reflexology is necessary for reimbursement with most benefits providers to ensure that it is necessary for the treatment of a medical condition. This letter must outline how an account holder's medical condition necessitates reflexology, how the treatment will be used to alleviate the issue and how long the treatment will last. If the treatment plan exceeds the current plan year, another LMN will have to be provided to the benefits administrator to cover the duration of the treatment.