Will Insurance cover a Personal Trainer?

[msuscottie]

I know, it's a weird question, but since my surgeries/radiation I've gained about 30 pounds and any personal trainer I go isn't really trained to work with someone who has balance/coordination issues. You should see me try to do a lunge. Anyway, I wondered if this type of thing could be considered physical therapy or anything along those lines? I know, the question is way out there, but it's worth asking? Thanks.

[jerseygirl]

Muscottie,

My PT had me do lunges and I had balance/coordination problems. It was all considered as part of vestibular retraining which I have never heard about before my second surgery. You should shop around and find the PT who does vestibular retraining and who knows about coordination problems. It definitely helps until you can run again.

As for me, I finished with PT and desperately trying to run but I still have coordination problems although much smaller than before. Best of luck to  you!

                Eve

[nancyann]

Got out my exercise 'video tape' the other day - part of it was going into a lunge - I ended up lunging, then tilted right into the couch (glad it was there) - had a good laugh!!
seriously:  Some insurance compaies will now pay SOME toward yoga, massage, acupuncture, exercise, etc. - I'd check with your individual plan - ask them re: balance & exercise & if/what would they pay for a trainer - worth the asking!

[Jim Scott]

msuscottie:

A personal trainer to assist you with weight loss very likely wouldn't be covered under any standard-type medical insurance plan.  It all depends on the reason given for the trainer and the code used when their bill is submitted to your insurance company.  If you can include balance training with fitness/weight loss training and find a trainer who is capable of doing both and will submit their bill that way, you may have a shot.  Otherwise, no - unless you pay for a trainer out of your own pocket - or train yourself.    I agree with Nancyann on this one: you need to contact your insurance carrier and ask them what they'll pay for- and why.  If you can wade through and decipher the labyrinth of legalese in your policy language, that should tell you, too.  Good luck.

Jim. 

[Brendalu]

Scottie,

A friend of mine just got a sleep number bed because three doctor's decided that was the reason she was sleep deprived.  Once they did a sleep study and it was done a a sleep number bed she slept like a baby.  The doctor's wrote on her behalf to the insurance company and the insurance company paid!  My insurance company also uped my PT benefits to see if it would help my balance issues.  It didn't, but at least they were willing to try.  I would give it a try.  If they say no, try again and again.
Good luck.
Hugs,
Brenda

[leapyrtwins]

Don't I wish.

If anyone makes a successful case of this cost to their insurance company, please let me know.

That's one bandwagon I want to jump onto.

Jan