Manipulative Therapy – Commercial and Individual Exchange Medical Policyopen_in_new

UnitedHealthcare covers manipulative therapy for treating Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and explicitly excludes non‑musculoskeletal indications, preventive/maintenance/custodial care, craniosacral therapy, TMJ disorder, scoliosis, nonstandard techniques (e.g., applied kinesiology, NUCCA), while manipulation under anesthesia is governed by a separate policy. Coverage requires documentation demonstrating an MSD diagnosis with clinically relevant symptoms and functional limitations to establish medical necessity, is subject to the member‑specific benefit plan and applicable federal/state/Medicare guidance, and listed CPT/HCPCS codes are for reference only.

"Manipulative Therapy is unproven and not medically necessary for all other indications due to insufficient evidence of efficacy, including but not limited to the following:"

Sign up to see full coverage criteria, indications, and limitations.