Chiropractors in Washington
Checking a chiropractor's license in Washington
Chiropractors in Washington are licensed by the Washington Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission.
- Look up a Washington chiropractic license on the state's official site.
Source: Chiropractor licensing
What chiropractors can and can't do in Washington
Washington defines chiropractic as diagnosing or analyzing and treating the vertebral subluxation complex, joint dysfunction and musculoskeletal disorders. Treatment includes spinal adjustments and extremity manipulation, heat, cold, water, exercise, massage, trigger point therapy, traction and light, dietary advice and nutritional supplement recommendations. Chiropractors perform a physical exam, which may include diagnostic X-rays, to decide whether chiropractic care fits or a referral is needed. Chiropractic care excludes prescribing or dispensing medicine, obstetrics, surgery, therapeutic radiation, colonic irrigation and venipuncture, and procedures using sound, diathermy or electricity.
Insurance and coverage in Washington
Medicaid
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) covers chiropractic services only for clients age 20 and younger who are referred by a screening provider under the EPSDT program. Adults aren't covered for chiropractic under Apple Health.
Source: Chiropractic Services (clients age 20 and younger) Billing Guide, Jan. 2026
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
Washington auto insurers must offer personal injury protection (PIP), with at least $10,000 of medical and hospital benefits, but you can reject it in writing. If you kept PIP, it pays medical costs from a crash, including chiropractic care, up to your limit.
Sources: RCW 48.22.085: Optional coverage for personal injury protection; RCW 48.22.095: Minimum personal injury protection coverage
Work injuries (workers' comp)
Doctors of chiropractic in Washington can serve as attending or concurrent care providers for injured workers whose accepted condition is musculoskeletal, for spine or extremity injuries. Typical services include evaluation, diagnosis, manipulation and rehabilitative exercise.
Source: Chiropractic Services
What chiropractic care costs in Washington
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 Washington (the range covers its 2 Medicare pricing areas):
| 1–2 areas of the spine | $27.44–$29.99 |
|---|---|
| 3–4 areas | $39.43–$42.91 |
| 5 areas | $51.05–$55.37 |
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)
Washington chiropractic FAQ
Does Apple Health cover chiropractic care for adults?
No. Washington Apple Health covers chiropractic services only for clients age 20 and younger who are referred through the EPSDT program.
Can a chiropractor be my doctor for a Washington workers' comp claim?
Yes. Chiropractors can be attending or concurrent care providers for injured workers with an accepted musculoskeletal condition of the spine or extremities.
Does Washington car insurance cover chiropractic care?
If you have personal injury protection. Insurers must offer PIP with at least $10,000 in medical benefits, but drivers can reject it in writing.
Can Washington chiropractors prescribe medication?
No. Washington law says chiropractic care doesn't include prescribing or dispensing any medicine or drug.
Washington cities on Chirofinder
Sources
- Chiropractor licensing (Washington State Department of Health)
- RCW 18.25.005: "Chiropractic" defined (Washington State Legislature)
- Chiropractic Services (clients age 20 and younger) Billing Guide, Jan. 2026 (Washington State Health Care Authority)
- RCW 48.22.085: Optional coverage for personal injury protection (Washington State Legislature)
- RCW 48.22.095: Minimum personal injury protection coverage (Washington State Legislature)
- Chiropractic Services (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries)
- 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.