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Alternative Care Riders
An alternative care benefit can be offered as an endorsement to your medical plan. With this benefit, you have access to the most commonly consulted alternative health care providers: acupuncturists, chiropractors and naturopaths.
Three plan options
Employees do not need a physician’s referral to see an alternative care provider, but if they are enrolled in our Alternative Care Plan they must see a Providence Health Plan participating provider. All of our participating alternative care providers are listed in our online provider directory.
Alternative Care Plus Plan members can receive care from any licensed chiropractic physician, naturopathic physician or acupuncturist who is practicing within the scope of his or her license.
A Chiropractic Care Plan limited to chiropractic care benefits from participating providers is also available.
Acupuncture covered services
- Office visits.
- Adjunctive therapy, which may include therapies such as acupressure, cupping, moxibustion or breathing techniques. Adjunctive therapy is only covered when provided during the same course of treatment and in conjunction with acupuncture. All adjunctive therapy must be medically necessary for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders, nausea or pain and provided together with acupuncture services.
Chiropractic covered services
- Office visits.
- Manipulation of the spine, joints and/or musculoskeletal soft tissue.
- Adjunctive physiotherapy, which may include ultrasound, hot packs, cold packs, electrical muscle stimulation or other therapies and procedures that are medically necessary for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
- Related diagnostic X-rays and laboratory service.
Naturopathy covered services
Services must be provided within a course of treatment that includes natural treatment methods, modalities, nutritional advice, recommendation of homeopathic protocals - and excludes prescribing prescription or over-the-counter drugs, surgery or invasive therapeutic procedures. Covered services may include:
- Office visits/consultations, therapeutic procedures and other services provided in various combinations.
- Physical therapy, which may include ultrasound, hot packs, cold packs, rehabilitative exercise, and manual, mechanical or electrical stimulation of the muscles.
- Related diagnostic X-rays and laboratory services.
All naturopathic services must be approved by Providence Health Plan as medically necessary.
Learn more
For more information or a quote on these benefits, contact your broker or a Providence Health Plan representative.
