Chiropractors in Pennsylvania
Checking a chiropractor's license in Pennsylvania
Chiropractors in Pennsylvania are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Chiropractic.
- Look up a Pennsylvania chiropractic license on the state's official site.
- Disciplinary actions published by the state.
Source: State Board of Chiropractic
What chiropractors can and can't do in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania defines chiropractic as the branch of the healing arts dealing with the spine and other joints and the neuromusculoskeletal system. It includes locating, examining and adjusting or manipulating misaligned vertebrae and other joints, patient care, board-approved instruments of analysis including X-ray, diagnosis needed to decide whether chiropractic care fits, adjunctive procedures (heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, mobilization) for certified chiropractors, and nutritional counseling. It excludes obstetrics and gynecology, reducing fractures or major dislocations, and the use of drugs or surgery.
Source: Chiropractic Practice Act (Act 188 of 1986), § 102 Definitions
Insurance and coverage in Pennsylvania
Medicaid
Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program covers chiropractic evaluation by examination and treatment by manual manipulation of the spine for both categorically needy and medically needy recipients, in the chiropractor's office, the patient's home, or a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility.
Sources: 55 Pa. Code § 1145.11: Types of services covered; 55 Pa. Code § 1145.12: Outpatient services; 55 Pa. Code § 1145.21: Categorically needy; 55 Pa. Code § 1145.22: Medically needy
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
Pennsylvania requires medical benefits coverage of at least $5,000, which pays medical bills for you and others covered by your policy, plus bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident and $5,000 of property damage liability.
Source: Auto Insurance
What chiropractic care costs in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania (the range covers its 2 Medicare pricing areas):
| 1–2 areas of the spine | $25.77–$27.52 |
|---|---|
| 3–4 areas | $37.16–$39.51 |
| 5 areas | $48.27–$51.14 |
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)
Pennsylvania chiropractic FAQ
Does Pennsylvania auto insurance cover chiropractic care?
Every Pennsylvania policy must include at least $5,000 of medical benefits coverage, which pays medical bills for you and others on your policy after a crash. Higher limits are available.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance) cover chiropractic?
Yes. Medical Assistance covers chiropractic examination and manual manipulation of the spine for categorically and medically needy recipients.
Can Pennsylvania chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act excludes the use of drugs or surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and reducing fractures or major dislocations.
Pennsylvania cities on Chirofinder
- Allentown (10)
Sources
- State Board of Chiropractic (Pennsylvania Department of State)
- Chiropractic Practice Act (Act 188 of 1986), § 102 Definitions (Pennsylvania Department of State)
- 55 Pa. Code § 1145.11: Types of services covered (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)
- 55 Pa. Code § 1145.12: Outpatient services (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)
- 55 Pa. Code § 1145.21: Categorically needy (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)
- 55 Pa. Code § 1145.22: Medically needy (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)
- Auto Insurance (Pennsylvania Insurance Department)
- 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.