Chiropractors in Tennessee
Checking a chiropractor's license in Tennessee
Chiropractors in Tennessee are licensed by the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
- Look up a Tennessee chiropractic license on the state's official site.
Source: Board of Chiropractic Examiners
What chiropractors can and can't do in Tennessee
Tennessee chiropractic physicians diagnose and treat neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and related conditions using adjustment and manipulation, physical agent modalities, and manual and rehabilitative care. They can order X-rays, advanced imaging and other diagnostic tests, order durable medical equipment, and refer patients for conditions outside their scope. Acupuncture requires 250 hours of accredited training plus the national chiropractic acupuncture exam. Tennessee law doesn't allow chiropractors to practice medicine, surgery or osteopathy, or to prescribe legend drugs or controlled substances.
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-101 (as amended by Public Chapter 455)
Insurance and coverage in Tennessee
Medicaid
TennCare covers chiropractic services as medically necessary for both children and adults. Adult coverage started January 1, 2022; before that, TennCare covered chiropractic only for enrollees under 21. Chiropractic care is provided through TennCare's managed care plans.
Sources: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-13-13-.04: Covered Services; Notice of Change in Medicaid State Plan: chiropractic services for adults (Nov. 22, 2021)
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
Tennessee requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Liability coverage pays for injuries you cause to others, so your own chiropractic care after a crash is usually paid by the at-fault driver's insurer, any medical payments coverage on your policy, or your health insurance.
Source: Auto Insurance 101
Work injuries (workers' comp)
Tennessee's workers' compensation medical fee schedule includes chiropractic services. Payment is the lesser of the billed charge or the fee schedule rate, the number of approved visits is limited under Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-204, and the same utilization review used for physical and occupational therapy applies.
Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0800-02-18-.08: Chiropractic Services Guidelines
What chiropractic care costs in Tennessee
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 Tennessee:
| 1–2 areas of the spine | $25.53 |
|---|---|
| 3–4 areas | $36.89 |
| 5 areas | $47.97 |
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)
Tennessee chiropractic FAQ
Does TennCare cover chiropractic care for adults?
Yes. Since January 1, 2022, TennCare covers chiropractic services as medically necessary for adults as well as children, through its managed care plans.
Can Tennessee chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Tennessee law says nothing in the chiropractic chapter authorizes a chiropractic physician to prescribe legend drugs or controlled substances, or to practice medicine, surgery or osteopathy.
Can a Tennessee chiropractor order an MRI?
Yes. Tennessee's definition of chiropractic diagnosis includes ordering X-rays, advanced diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic procedures.
How do I verify a chiropractor's license in Tennessee?
Use the Tennessee Department of Health's license verification search, linked from the Board of Chiropractic Examiners' page.
Tennessee cities on Chirofinder
- Chattanooga (10)
- Clarksville (10)
- Knoxville (10)
- Memphis (10)
- Murfreesboro (10)
- Nashville (10)
Sources
- Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Tennessee Department of Health)
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-4-101 (as amended by Public Chapter 455) (Tennessee General Assembly)
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-13-13-.04: Covered Services (Division of TennCare)
- Notice of Change in Medicaid State Plan: chiropractic services for adults (Nov. 22, 2021) (Division of TennCare)
- Auto Insurance 101 (Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance)
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0800-02-18-.08: Chiropractic Services Guidelines (Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation)
- 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.