Cracking the Code: Everything You Need to Know About Chiropractic Billing in Minnesota

Bonnie Flom • March 28, 2025

Chiropractic billing in Minnesota involves navigating a complex set of rules and regulations. Chiropractors must comply with insurance policies, use correct coding, and follow proper claim submission protocols.


Many providers face common issues such as claim denials, delays in reimbursement, and errors in coding, which can impact cash flow and practice operations. By implementing efficient billing practices, chiropractors can ensure they receive timely and accurate payments for their services.


Understanding Chiropractic Billing in Minnesota


Chiropractic billing differs from standard medical billing due to its unique procedures and documentation requirements. Chiropractors provide specialized services, including spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercises, and adjunctive therapies, all of which must be correctly coded and billed to ensure reimbursement.


Additionally, providers must comply with both state and federal regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, making it crucial to stay informed about policy updates and requirements.


Common Chiropractic Billing Challenges


Many chiropractors face recurring billing issues that lead to revenue loss and administrative stress. One of the biggest challenges is incorrect coding, which often results in claim denials or reduced reimbursements. Insurance rejections are also common, especially when patients' policies do not cover certain chiropractic services.


Additionally, delayed reimbursements can create financial instability for practices, as insurers take longer to process payments due to missing or incorrect information. Chiropractors must also navigate complex compliance regulations to avoid penalties and maintain ethical billing practices.


Key Insurance Policies and Payers


Chiropractors in Minnesota work with multiple insurance providers, each with different policies and requirements. Understanding how major insurers handle chiropractic care is essential for maximizing reimbursements and avoiding denied claims.

Insurance Provider Coverage Notes
Medicare Covers spinal manipulations under specific conditions.
Medicaid Provides limited coverage for medically necessary treatments.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Coverage varies by plan; some policies include maintenance care.
UnitedHealthcare May require pre-authorization for specific services.
Workers' Compensation Covers chiropractic treatments related to workplace injuries.

Staying up to date with policy changes and payer requirements helps chiropractors prevent claim denials and ensure they receive full reimbursements for their services.

 

Essential Chiropractic Billing Codes

 

Using the correct Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes is essential for ensuring accurate billing and preventing insurance disputes. Chiropractors frequently use the following codes for billing their services:

 

  • 98940 – Chiropractic manipulation of one to two spinal regions.
  • 98941 – Chiropractic manipulation of three to four spinal regions.
  • 98942 – Chiropractic manipulation of five or more spinal regions.
  • 97012 – Mechanical traction therapy for spinal decompression.
  • 97110 – Therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and mobility.
  • 97140 – Manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release.

 

Proper use of these codes ensures that insurance claims are processed efficiently, reducing the risk of payment delays or denials.

 

How to Reduce Claim Denials?

 

Claim denials are a major concern for chiropractic practices, but they can be significantly reduced by implementing best practices in billing. The first step is to verify patient insurance coverage before treatment begins, ensuring that the services provided are covered under their plan. Accurate coding is also crucial, as even minor errors can lead to claim rejection.

 

Chiropractors should maintain thorough documentation of patient visits, treatment plans, and medical necessity to support claims. Additionally, submitting clean claims with all required information helps expedite the reimbursement process. If a claim is denied, filing an appeal promptly with supporting documentation can improve the chances of successful reimbursement.

 

Benefits of Outsourcing Chiropractic Billing

 

Outsourcing chiropractic billing to a specialized agency offers numerous advantages, including:

 

  • Faster Reimbursements: Billing experts ensure claims are accurately submitted, reducing delays in payments.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Professionals stay updated with ever-changing billing regulations, minimizing compliance risks.
  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Chiropractors can focus more on patient care while leaving the billing tasks to experts.
  • Lower Denial Rates: Proper coding and thorough claim submission help reduce errors and prevent denials.
  • Higher Revenue Collection: Optimized billing processes ensure maximum reimbursements and improved cash flow.
  • Access to Advanced Technology: Professional billing agencies use advanced software for better claim tracking and management.
  • Cost Savings: Outsourcing eliminates the need for an in-house billing team, reducing overhead costs.

 

Choosing the Right Medical Billing Agency


Selecting the right medical billing agency is a critical decision that can impact a chiropractic practice’s financial health. When evaluating billing services, chiropractors should look for agencies with extensive experience in chiropractic billing, as they understand the unique challenges and requirements of the field.


Transparent pricing with no hidden fees is another important factor, ensuring that the practice does not incur unexpected costs. A strong track record of successful claim approvals and dedicated customer support are also essential qualities of a reliable billing service.


One of the leading medical billing agencies in Minnesota, Billing Buddies, specializes in chiropractic billing and offers customized solutions to streamline claims management and maximize revenue.

 

Maximize Your Chiropractic Billing Success


Navigating chiropractic billing in Minnesota requires knowledge, precision, and compliance with evolving regulations. Outsourcing to a professional medical billing agency can further enhance efficiency and financial stability.


So, partner with Billing Buddies, one of the top medical billing agencies in Minnesota, to eliminate billing challenges and optimize your practice’s revenue. Contact us today for a free consultation and take control of your billing process!

Billing Nightmares with ARHMS in Minnesota? Here’s the Real Fix Nobody Talks About

By Bonnie Flom • April 21, 2025
Fact: ARHMS providers across Minnesota – especially in Minneapolis – are spending more hours than ever on billing, and it’s affecting client care. Between compliance rules, rejected claims, and slow payments, many teams are overwhelmed. But what if ARHMS billing didn’t have to be a full-time job? Table of Contents: ● The Real Problem with ARHMS Billing Today ● What Makes ARHMS Billing in Minneapolis Especially Challenging ● How Outsourcing Isn’t Just Easier — It’s Smarter ● What Billing Buddies Does Differently ● Quick Comparison: DIY Billing vs. Partnering with Billing Buddies ● Final Word + How to Connect The Real Problem with ARHMS Billing Today Let’s be real: ARHMS billing is no longer just about submitting claims. It’s about understanding state-specific codes, documenting every move correctly, and constantly adjusting to DHS updates. If you're still relying on manual methods or a stretched-thin team, the odds of losing revenue go up fast. What Makes ARHMS Billing in Minneapolis Especially Challenging? Minneapolis is fast-paced, and so is the demand for mental health and habilitation support. But here’s the kicker — more clients mean more billing. More billing means more room for error. If even one code is off or a note is missing, your claim can get stuck for weeks. Providers here aren’t just looking for help — they need speed, accuracy, and someone who actually gets local systems. How Outsourcing Isn’t Just Easier — It’s Smarter? Outsourcing ARHMS billing isn’t just about handing off tasks. It’s about: ● Reclaiming Time: So your team can focus on what they’re best at — client care. ● Reducing Stress: Say goodbye to rejections, late filings, and compliance fears. ● Improving Cash Flow: Claims are submitted right, the first time. What Does Billing Buddies Do Differently? We’re not a generic billing company. We’re local experts who specialize in Minnesota Medicaid systems — especially ARHMS. With Billing Buddies, you get: ● A team trained in Minnesota-specific ARHMS codes and DHS guidelines ● Fast turnaround on claims and re-submissions ● Clean reporting so you always know where your money’s at ● Support that’s personal — we work with your staff, not around them We work with providers throughout Minneapolis and beyond — helping small teams grow by giving them their time and cash flow back. Quick Comparison: DIY Billing vs. Billing Buddies

Is Your Mental Health Practice Losing Money? Here’s How Credentialing Services Can!

By Bonnie Flom • April 21, 2025
Over 40% of mental health professionals in private practice report delays or denials in insurance reimbursements due to credentialing issues. Without proper credentialing, therapists and counselors risk being excluded from insurance networks—directly impacting patient access and practice revenue. That's where credentialing services for mental health come in. For providers in Minnesota and beyond, working with a dedicated billing partner like Billing Buddies can make the difference between reimbursement success and financial stress. Table of Contents: What This Blog Will Cover What Is Credentialing in Mental Health? Why Is Credentialing So Important? Common Challenges in the Credentialing Process How Billing Buddies Simplifies Credentialing for Mental Health Providers Benefits of Outsourcing Credentialing Services Credentialing vs. Re-Credentialing: Know the Difference The Minnesota Advantage: Why Local Expertise Matters Conclusion + CTA What is Credentialing in Mental Health? Credentialing is the process of verifying a provider’s qualifications—including licenses, education, training, and work history—to ensure they meet the standards of insurance networks. It’s mandatory if you want to be reimbursed by insurers like Blue Cross, Medica, UCare, or UnitedHealthcare. Why is Credentialing So Important? Without proper credentialing: ● You cannot accept insurance. ● Your claims may be rejected. ● You miss out on a major client base. And here’s the kicker—credentialing takes time (30-120 days) and must be accurate to avoid denial. Common Challenges in the Credentialing Process Challenge: Incomplete Applications Missed Deadlines Lack of Follow-Up Misunderstanding Payer Requirements Confusion Between Credentialing & Contracting Impact: Delays or denial in approval Need to restart the process Long waiting periods without updates Leads to rework and frustration Payment delays or lost payer relationships How Billing Buddies Simplifies Credentialing for Mental Health Providers? Billing Buddies offers personalized credentialing services tailored for mental health practices. Our team: ● Prepares and reviews all documents. ● Submits applications to insurance networks. ● Tracks application status with regular updates. ● Handles payer communication. ● Maintains re-credentialing timelines. You focus on patients. We focus on paperwork. Benefits of Outsourcing Credentialing Services When you work with credentialing pros like Billing Buddies, you: ● Speed up approvals ● Reduce errors and rejections ● Improve insurance payouts ● Save administrative time ● Avoid burnout from non-clinical tasks It's a smart move for solo providers and group practices alike. Credentialing vs. Re-Credentialing: Know the Difference Credentialing is the first-time process of getting approved by an insurance network. Re-credentialing happens every 2-3 years to verify that your information is still accurate. Both are necessary—and both are time-sensitive. The Minnesota Advantage: Why Local Expertise Matters? When you choose Billing Buddies, you're not just getting generic credentialing services. You’re partnering with a team that understands mental health billing in Minnesota , including local payer systems, Medicaid requirements, and state-specific nuances. We’ve helped therapists across Minnesota get credentialed quickly and keep their payments flowing. Don’t Let Credentialing Hold You Back Whether you're launching your private practice or expanding your network, proper credentialing is essential. And with so many moving parts, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where Billing Buddies steps in—to take credentialing off your plate and help you focus on what really matters: patient care. Let Billing Buddies handle the paperwork so you can focus on healing. Also, learn more about our expert solutions for mental health billing in Minnesota today!

Why Mental Health Billing Is a Nightmare—and How to End It for Good?

By Bonnie Flom • April 18, 2025
Fact: Nearly 60% of mental health providers say that insurance billing and credentialing slow down their ability to focus on patient care. Between changing payer rules, claim rejections, and the exhausting credentialing process, providers often find themselves spending more time on admin work than therapy sessions. That’s where specialized mental health billing and credentialing services come in—and Billing Buddies is leading the charge. Table of Contents Why Mental Health Billing Is So Complex What Credentialing Means (and Why It’s a Game-Changer) Benefits of Outsourcing to Billing Buddies Mental Health Billing vs. Medical Billing: What’s Different? Our Process: How Billing Buddies Simplifies It All Summary Table: What You Get with Billing Buddies Final Thoughts + How to Get Started Why is Mental Health Billing So Complex? Unlike general medical billing, mental health services involve unique codes, session limits, and pre-authorizations. Even small errors in time-based coding or failing to include proper documentation can lead to claim denials. Key challenges include: ● Frequent insurance changes ● Limited sessions per year ● Confusing modifiers and CPT codes ● Authorization requirements ● Varied payer-specific rules What Credentialing Means (and why it’s a Game-Changer)? Credentialing is the process of verifying a provider’s qualifications with insurance companies so they can join a payer network. It involves paperwork, follow-ups, and long wait times—anywhere from 60 to 180 days. If you’re not credentialed, you can’t bill insurance. And if you’re improperly credentialed, delays and rejections will keep stacking up. Benefits of Outsourcing to Billing Buddies When you hand off your billing and credentialing tasks to Billing Buddies, you save hours weekly—and potentially thousands of dollars monthly. Perks include: ● Fewer claim denials ● Faster reimbursement ● Error-free submissions ● Up-to-date compliance ● Full credentialing support ● More time for patient care Mental Health Billing vs. Medical Billing: What’s Different?