Chiropractic care is steadily gaining popularity in the UK as an effective, affordable, holistic option for a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Unfortunately, however, it still isn’t widely accessible through the NHS.
So – if you are wondering if can I see a chiropractor on the NHS, the truth is that your options in this regard are limited and often complicated!
In this post, we discuss your chiropractic care options on the NHS, consider the chances of it becoming available in the future, and tell you how you can access chiropractic care now.
The NHS does recognise the value and effectiveness of chiropractic for certain musculoskeletal conditions, notably back and neck pain. The issue, however, is that it’s not considered a ‘conventional’ treatment option, even for those conditions.
Therefore, if you need to see a chiropractor, you generally have 2 options: pay for it yourself or take out private health insurance. [link to article on insurance companies].
That said, there are limited circumstances where you may be able to access chiropractic care through the NHS. Typically, it will be for the musculoskeletal issues mentioned above, and often because it hasn’t responded to ‘conventional’ treatment!
But – you need a referral from an NHS doctor and most will refer you to a physiotherapist rather than a chiropractor.
Unfortunately, getting in to see a physiotherapist can take a while and when you do, you’re likely to be prescribed exercises. While exercises are good therapy for a range of conditions, and we prescribe them where appropriate too, sometimes you need hands-on treatment. And quickly…
Current indications are that access to chiropractic through the NHS is likely to remain limited, at least for the foreseeable future.
The good news though is that some NHS trusts do offer it on a trial basis, either as part of pilot programmes or under specific initiatives. You can contact your local trust to see if they are one of these participants.
If you need chiropractic care right now, the easiest way to get it is privately. In this case, all you need to do is make an appointment directly with your local chiropractor. No referrals, no waiting, no red tape… You will however be responsible for all fees and charges yourself.
Your other option is to do it through a health insurance plan that provides cover for chiropractic treatment.
Currently, in the UK, you have 2 options for accessing chiropractic care through insurance.
You can take out what is called a Cash Plan Health insurance policy, where you pay for your treatment at the time of your appointment and then seek reimbursement from your plan provider.
Alternatively, you can take out private medical insurance. Not all insurers cover chiropractic though, and many only offer it as an optional extra so make sure you check your policy.
Note too that most health insurers have conditions attached to their chiropractic cover! Specifically, you may need either a referral from a GP or specialist OR to use one of the insurer’s network providers. Again, check with your insurer to find out what they require.
This will depend on whether you’re paying for your treatment privately, or going through a health insurance provider.
All chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), which maintains a searchable database of chiropractors on their website. If you are paying privately, search the database to find your local practitioners. Make your choice, and book your appointment.
If you’re going through health insurance, contact your insurer for help. If you must use one of their network providers, they will have a list you can use to make your selection.
If you require a referral first, your referring doctor may have a short list of chiropractors s/he generally recommends. Or you can ask to be referred to a chiropractor of your choice, in which case you can use the GCC database to find one.
Whilst it is possible to see a chiropractor on the NHS, it’s not the norm. Some NHS trusts do offer it as a trial but, if you qualify, you will require a referral from an NHS doctor (who will likely refer you to a physiotherapist rather than a chiropractor).
Therefore, most people who require chiropractic care arrange it privately, either by paying for it themselves, or through private health insurance.
Branding & website design by theshapingbay.com