Chiropractors in Massachusetts
Checking a chiropractor's license in Massachusetts
Chiropractors in Massachusetts are licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Chiropractors.
- Look up a Massachusetts chiropractic license on the state's official site.
What chiropractors can and can't do in Massachusetts
Massachusetts defines chiropractic as locating and removing interference with nerve function by correcting misalignments or subluxations of the joints, especially the spine and pelvis. Chiropractors may use X-ray and analytical instruments for chiropractic examinations, and supportive therapy such as braces, traction, heat, cold, sound, electricity, and dietary and nutritional advice alongside an adjustment. Chiropractic excludes surgery, prescribing or using drugs or medicines, obstetrics, treating infectious diseases, and internal examinations.
Insurance and coverage in Massachusetts
Medicaid
MassHealth pays for medically necessary chiropractic treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, such as functional disabilities of the spine, nerve pain, and sprains and strains of the spine, for members whose coverage type includes it. Covered services are chiropractic manipulative treatment, office visits and radiology. More than 20 office visits or manipulative treatments per member per calendar year need prior authorization.
Sources: 130 CMR 441.403: Eligible Members; 130 CMR 441.407: Service Limitations; 130 CMR 441.411: Prior Authorization
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers only one chiropractic service: manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation, when you have a significant neuromusculoskeletal problem and the subluxation is shown by X-ray or physical exam. Once treatment stops improving your condition and becomes maintenance therapy, Medicare stops paying. Other chiropractic services aren't covered.
Source: Chiropractic Services (Medicare Provider Compliance Tips; Benefit Policy Manual ch. 15, sec. 240.1)
After a car accident
Massachusetts auto policies include personal injury protection (PIP), which pays reasonable medical expenses, including chiropractic care, incurred within two years of an accident, regardless of who was at fault, up to at least $8,000 per person. If you chose a PIP deductible, that amount comes off what PIP would pay you and your household.
Sources: M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A: Definitions (personal injury protection); M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M: Personal injury protection
What chiropractic care costs in Massachusetts
Self-pay prices vary by practice, so ask for the cash price before your first visit. As a reference point, here's what Medicare approves in 2026 for a spinal adjustment in Massachusetts (the range covers its 2 Medicare pricing areas):
| 1–2 areas of the spine | $27.50–$29.50 |
|---|---|
| 3–4 areas | $39.51–$42.24 |
| 5 areas | $51.16–$54.52 |
That's the total Medicare approves; with Medicare you typically owe 20% of it after your Part B deductible.
Source: PFS Relative Value Files: RVU26D (2026, October release)
Massachusetts chiropractic FAQ
Does Massachusetts PIP cover chiropractic after a car accident?
PIP pays reasonable medical expenses from the accident, regardless of fault, up to at least $8,000 per person, for expenses incurred within two years of the crash. Any PIP deductible you elected is subtracted first.
How many chiropractic visits does MassHealth cover?
MassHealth covers medically necessary chiropractic care for neuromusculoskeletal conditions. More than 20 office visits or manipulative treatments in a calendar year require prior authorization.
Can Massachusetts chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Massachusetts law excludes prescribing or using drugs or medicines, surgery and obstetrics from chiropractic.
How do I check a Massachusetts chiropractor's license?
Use the state's Check a Health Care License lookup, which covers chiropractors licensed by the Board of Registration of Chiropractors.
Massachusetts cities on Chirofinder
Sources
- Board of Registration of Chiropractors (Commonwealth of Massachusetts)
- M.G.L. c. 112, § 89: Definitions (chiropractic) (Massachusetts Legislature)
- 130 CMR 441.403: Eligible Members (MassHealth)
- 130 CMR 441.407: Service Limitations (MassHealth)
- 130 CMR 441.411: Prior Authorization (MassHealth)
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A: Definitions (personal injury protection) (Massachusetts Legislature)
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M: Personal injury protection (Massachusetts Legislature)
- Chiropractic Services (Medicare Provider Compliance Tips; Benefit Policy Manual ch. 15, sec. 240.1) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
- PFS Relative Value Files: RVU26D (2026, October release) (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. This page summarizes state law and public programs for general information and isn't legal or medical advice; rules change, so confirm with the linked sources. See our medical disclaimer.