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Apply to Become a Preferred Provider Massage Therapist in Washington State

Washington's "Every Category of Provider" law gives LMPs the right to participate in managed care networks. Here is some information on how to participate as a preferred provider in these networks.

Be aware that these networks will probably ask you to agree to accept less than your usual medical massage rates and that you may have to agree to other terms and conditions as well. Be sure you can live with all of the terms of any contract before you sign.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

There is no need to apply, no network to join, and you should be paid your usual medical massage rate. If you are an LMP (licensed to do massage) in Washington, then you can bill insurance companies for massage that you perform under a physician's prescription.

Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I)

You need to apply to be a provider to bill Washington State worker's comp/L&I. The application and more info are available at Washington's Becoming an L&I Provider page.

Aetna, Cigna, Premera, CorVel, Group Health, Uniform, etc.

American Whole Health credentials practitioners with several insurance plans, HMOs, and PPOs, including Aetna, Cigna, Premera, CorVel, Group Health, and Uniform. Application forms and more info are available at the WholeHealthPro web site. For a full list of plans that are affiliated with American Whole Health, see their Northwest Client Summaries page. Be aware that while Group Health is a part of this network only a small subset of AWHN massage providers are selected for the Group Health panel. Please note also that American Whole Health acquired Alternare last year.

First Choice Health Netork

First Choice is a relatively small network, but they do have a number of clients in Washington. See their Becoming a Network Provider page.

Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Regence is a large insurer in Washington. They aren't currently accepting new massage providers in King county (and maybe others in Western Washington as well). If you live in an area where they are accepting new providers, you can ger more information at their Contracting/Credentialing page.