Does insurance cover PRP therapy? (Platelet-rich plasma injections)

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a regenerative medical treatment for muscular and joint pain. We are just beginning to understand the many ways PRP injections can be used for treating and healing injuries since it is a relatively new therapy. Does insurance cover PRP therapy?

PRP has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to heal muscle strain, repetitive use injuries, arthritis pain, tendinitis and more. Following a quick blood draw, platelets in your blood that stimulate collagen production are separated out and then injected into the targeted treatment area. Platelet-rich plasma encourages pain relief and faster healing in the injection area.

While highly effective, PRP therapy is still considered an experimental treatment by many insurance companies. Because of this, many insurance companies will not cover the treatment cost fully. Coverage may be limited or denied altogether. Some insurance companies only cover PRP therapy if you have certain qualifying conditions. Because of this, many PRP injection providers treat PRP therapy as a cash or self-pay procedure.

Considering PRP therapy? Because it can be a costly investment in your health, it’s important to speak with a family physician about the benefits and risks associated with the treatment before deciding whether or not PRP therapy is the right treatment for you. It’s also important to note that oftentimes multiple injections may be necessary to achieve full results, further increasing your out of pocket cost.

At Westgate Family Physicians, platelet-rich plasma injections are one of the treatments we offer for musculoskeletal pain. To find out if PRP therapy will be effective for you, call (864) 574-0070 to schedule a consultation.