Chiropractors in Virginia
Checking a chiropractor's license in Virginia
Chiropractors in Virginia are licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine (licenses doctors of chiropractic).
- Look up a Virginia chiropractic license on the state's official site.
- Disciplinary actions published by the state.
Source: Board of Medicine
What chiropractors can and can't do in Virginia
Virginia defines the practice of chiropractic as adjusting the 24 movable vertebrae of the spine and assisting nature to normalize the transmission of nerve energy. It includes taking and reviewing patient histories, documenting exams and treatment, recommending vitamins, minerals and food supplements, and (for certified medical examiners) commercial driver physicals. It doesn't include surgery, obstetrics, osteopathy, or administering or prescribing any drugs, medicines, serums or vaccines.
Insurance and coverage in Virginia
Medicaid
Virginia's Medicaid state plan regulations state that chiropractors' services are not provided.
Source: 12VAC30-50-150: Medical care by other licensed practitioners within the scope of their practice
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
For Virginia policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, minimum liability limits are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Liability pays others when you're at fault, 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: Insurance Requirements
Work injuries (workers' comp)
Virginia's workers' compensation law counts chiropractic treatment as medical care employers must provide, and lets the employer or insurer include chiropractors on the panel of physicians offered to an injured worker when the injury can be treated within a chiropractor's scope of practice.
Source: Code of Virginia § 65.2-603: Duty to furnish medical attention
What chiropractic care costs in Virginia
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 Virginia:
| 1–2 areas of the spine | $26.43 |
|---|---|
| 3–4 areas | $38.06 |
| 5 areas | $49.36 |
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)
Virginia chiropractic FAQ
Who licenses chiropractors in Virginia?
The Virginia Board of Medicine, part of the Department of Health Professions. You can check a chiropractor's license with DHP's License Lookup.
Can Virginia chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Virginia's definition of chiropractic excludes administering or prescribing any drugs, medicines, serums or vaccines, as well as surgery and obstetrics.
What auto insurance does Virginia require?
For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Virginia cities on Chirofinder
- Alexandria (10)
Sources
- Board of Medicine (Virginia Department of Health Professions)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-2900: Definitions (Virginia General Assembly)
- Insurance Requirements (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)
- 12VAC30-50-150: Medical care by other licensed practitioners within the scope of their practice (Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services)
- Code of Virginia § 65.2-603: Duty to furnish medical attention (Virginia General Assembly)
- 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.